The phrase “The Ancient Mariners” (or “Ancient Mariner”) most commonly refers to the classic poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, but it can also refer to important works of history and anthropology about early seafaring civilizations. 1. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Literature)
This is a famous 1798 English poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Alongside William Wordsworth, Coleridge published this piece in Lyrical Ballads, a collection that officially launched the Romantic movement in English literature.
The Plot: An old sailor with a “glittering eye” stops a guest on his way to a wedding to tell a harrowing story of a past sea voyage.
The Crime: During a storm near the South Pole, an albatross appears and guides the ship out of the ice. For no rational reason, the Mariner shoots the innocent bird with a crossbow.
The Curse: The weather turns agonizingly hot and still. The crew forces the Mariner to wear the heavy, dead albatross around his neck as a symbol of his guilt. Soon after, a phantom ship carrying “Death” and “Life-in-Death” gambles for the crew’s souls. Every crew member dies except the Mariner, who is left alive but completely isolated.
Redemption: The curse lifts only when the Mariner looks into the ocean, spots beautiful sea creatures, and instinctively blesses them. The albatross falls from his neck into the sea.
The Penance: He survives the voyage but is forever cursed to wander the Earth. He suffers a sudden, painful burning in his chest that only goes away when he stops a random person to recount his story and spread a message of love for all living things. 2. The Ancient Mariners by Lionel Casson (History)
If your interest is historical rather than literary, The Ancient Mariners: Seafarers and Sea Fighters of the Mediterranean in Ancient Times is a highly respected book by maritime historian Lionel Casson. The Ancient Mariners: Lionel Casson – Amazon.com
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