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Who First Wrote Poems?

Published in Literature 2 mins read

It's impossible to definitively say who wrote the very first poems. Poetry is one of the oldest forms of human expression, predating written language.

Oral Tradition: The earliest forms of poetry were likely passed down through generations via oral tradition. These poems were sung, chanted, or spoken, and their content often reflected the beliefs, experiences, and values of a particular culture.

Early Written Records: Some of the oldest surviving written poems come from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. These texts often tell stories of gods, heroes, and the natural world.

Notable Examples:

  • The Epic of Gilgamesh, written in ancient Mesopotamia, is considered one of the oldest surviving works of literature.
  • The Hymn to the Nile, an ancient Egyptian poem, praises the river for its life-giving properties.
  • The Rig Veda, a collection of Sanskrit hymns, is one of the most important texts in Hinduism.

While we may never know who wrote the very first poem, these early works provide valuable insights into the origins of this art form and its enduring power to express human emotions and experiences.

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