avatarNikolaos Skordilis

Summary

"Bound By Giants" is a narrative poem by Nikolaos Skordilis about a dwarf who escapes captivity, gains power from a magical spring, and seeks revenge against his giant captors, only to potentially continue the cycle of oppression with new dwarf characters.

Abstract

The poem "Bound By Giants" tells the story of a dwarf who, as a child, was captured by a group of giants and subjected to a life of servitude and abuse. Over time, the dwarf learns of a secret magic spring that is the source of the giants' power. After stealing the keys and drinking from the spring, the dwarf grows to giant size and slaughters his former masters. With the castle and magic source now under his control, the dwarf-turned-giant reflects on his actions and contemplates his future. The poem concludes with the dwarf seeing two new dwarfs approaching, suggesting that he might repeat the cycle of enslavement and revenge. The narrative is interspersed with the author's reflections on the nature of power and the potential for transformation and redemption, as well as the complexities of identity and morality.

Opinions

  • The author, Nikolaos Skordilis, conveys a sense of ambiguity regarding the morality of the dwarf's actions, questioning whether the cycle of violence and oppression can ever be broken.
  • The poem suggests that power can corrupt absolutely, as the dwarf, once a victim, becomes the oppressor upon gaining strength and control.
  • There is a theme of transformation, both physical and moral, as the dwarf undergoes a dramatic change from a powerless captive to a powerful giant.
  • The author seems to grapple with the idea of identity, as the dwarf's transformation blurs the lines between victim and victimizer.
  • The poem implies that the pursuit of revenge, while sweet, can lead to becoming the very monster one despises.
  • The narrative raises questions about the nature of freedom and whether it can truly be achieved through violence and domination.

POETRY | GIANTS | SUPERNATURAL | SURREALISM

Bound By Giants

A very different poem than my usual love poems

Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay

From a pack of giants I hid many, many years ago I was still just a little kid how could I ever know

I was exposed like a fly in milk they captured and chained me I thought they’d eat me quick but as a slave they raised me

They were cruel and vicious they made my life a living hell creatures evil and malicious I wanted my suffering to end

The giants kept a great secret they guarded it like treasure they shut up when I -their pet- was close in some measure

I eavesdropped and discovered what was at the deepest level shocked by what I uncovered with joy I could finally revel

I sneaked and stole their keys while they slept and snored deciding my fortune to seize and have my dignity restored

I found the magic spring the secret power of the giants from it I had a long drink as I was grinning in defiance

I savored the magic water with every fiber of my being I’d soon enjoy a slaughter my revenge would be fulfilling

I swiftly started to get growing I almost reached into the ceiling my dwarf nature I was forgoing transforming to a giant was appealing

Half-naked, wearing rags I approached my masters still slumbering like hags as if nothing else matters

I picked the largest, sharpest axe and severed their heads, one by one slaughtering them like pigs in sacks fully drenched in blood when done

My revenge was sweet like milk and honey I do not look back nor feel remorse the castle was now mine, as was their money and I controlled their magic source

But what is that my new giant eyes see? two dwarfs approach my property since I am alone this is an opportunity I’d better introduce myself properly

I am going to capture them and have them serve all my needs masters need slaves at the end for chores, laundry and other deeds

And if they dare defy my might I will whip them back to shape enjoy their torment with delight from my chains none will escape

Nikolaos Skordilis is not certain if he is the giant, the dwarf, both or neither in this poem. It is loosely based on a weird Greek poem he wrote in the distant 2007.

That poem -which is quite shorter- also has an ABAB rhyme scheme, though it was hard to reproduce the same scheme in the English version. If you liked it check out this poem too:

I also recommend this poem by Benighted:

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