Tribute Poetry

There are many forms of tribute and tribute poetry, listed below are a few descriptions of poetic styles and a few web links related to those subjects that may be helpful if you wish to compose something to give tribute to your consort. This is a brief introduction and a starting point for further research in the subject of tribute poetry, this is merely a helping hand for those who wish to compose something for the Beltaine tournament..

Epigram derives from the Greek epigramma meaning "in-scribed". They are short poems or sayings that praise or put forth a specific message. The Oxford dictionary states that an epigram is "a short poem ending in a witty turn of thought; pointed saying or mode of expression." Epigrams have been written since ancient times by many famous writers John Hewyood among them he was playwright during the reign of Henry the Eighth two volumes of his epigrams and proverbs were published during the sixteenth century containing quotes we still hear today such as “ Haste maketh waste.”,” Look ere ye leape. “ and “When the iron is hot, strike.”

The Elegy (not to be confused with eulogy) dates back to Ancient Greece. The elegy is a type of lyric poetry which reflects on something which seems strange or mysterious or reflects on sadness and somber attitudes. The elegiac couplet is the oldest form of Greek poetry, several of Ovids poems are written in this style. This poetic form was first used in ancient funeral songs and then used to include war, love and other themes conveying strong emotions. This poetic form was also popular during the reign of Augustus in Rome. Through the ages this lyric form has enchanted many and been used not only in verse but in song by composers such as Josquin des Pres, Johannes Ockeghem, and Thomas Weelkes. The Wanderer and The Seafarer are types of elegies and Sir Edmund Spencer wrote one entitled Astrophel.

The Ode is another Classical Greek form of formal lyrical verse. A classic ode is structured in three parts: the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode. Many odes have been set to music. Sappho, Horace and Sir Edmund Spencer are among the famous authors of odes.
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5784

Other forms of tribute poetry include the ballad, Edda, Epic, and the Saga
For the Edda see http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/
For the Epic see http://www.poetry-portal.com/styles10.html
For the Saga see http://www.sagadb.org/

See Tribute from kings own subjects and Tributes from other kings
From the Orb the online reference book for medieval studies
http://www.the-orb.net/textbooks/muhlberger/early_society.html

From the Orb the online reference book for medieval studies
Medieval Source book the poetry and legends of the Turks
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/turkishpoetry1.html