Eldorado

The poem “Eldorado” a fun little poem. But despite it being written by Edgar Allan Poe, it is not at all scary or haunting. In fact, I first enjoyed this poem while watching a movie with the same title; the poem was mostly quoted throughout the film.

The story behind the story

“El Dorado,” the city of gold! For the Spanish conquistadors of the 1500s, this was the ultimate prize worth seeking. Yet, search as they may, such a city was never to be found. In the case of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, instead of a city of gold, he discovered the Grand Canyon.

La conquista del Colorado by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau Nieto*

I doubt, however, that he appreciated it as much as people of today.

Much later, in 1849, gold was discovered in California. Instantly a flood of people made a mad dash out west, eager for gold.

Some made fortunes, most ended up little wealthier than when they left home.

So in 1949, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a poem, Eldorado. In part, it is his reaction to the gold rush. But it is also a fitting poem for him to write. This was one of his last poems. In a way, he is like the main character.

The poem is about a gallant knight, Gaily bedight, who spends his whole life looking for the city of El Dorado. Worn out, and near the end of his life, he meets a spirit who, effectively, tells him the goal he has sought so much for all his life cannot be found in this life and world.

The poem

Gaily bedight,

A gallant knight,

In sunshine and in shadow,

Had journeyed long,

Singing a song,

In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old—

This knight so bold—

And o'er his heart a shadow

Fell as he found

No spot of ground

That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength

Failed him at length,

He met a pilgrim shadow—

"Shadow," said he,

"Where can it be—

This land of Eldorado?"

"Over the mountains

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,"

The shade replied—

"If you seek for Eldorado!"

On the web – readings

You can find videos where this poem is read. I found two that I liked.

• Hidden treasures Eldorado Poem – A good reading with good background paintings. The “pilgrim shadow” is portrayed as a skeleton. Not really evil, but little children may not like.

• ELDORADO Poe words lyrics best top popular favorite trending sing along song songs – A single, fixed background picture, but the poem is sung in a pleasing way.

*Licensing for La conquista del Colorado via Creative commons 4.0

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