Chant Quote by H. Rider Haggard
““Ignosi bound the diadem upon his brows. Then advancing, he placed his foot upon the broad chest of his headless foe and broke out into a chant, or rather a pæan of triumph, so beautiful, and yet so utterly savage, that I despair of being able to give an adequate version of his words. Once I heard a scholar with a fine voice read aloud from the Greek poet Homer, and I remember that the sound of the rolling lines seemed to make my blood stand still. Ignosi's chant, uttered as it was in a language as beautiful and sonorous as the old Greek, produced exactly the same effect on me, although I was exhausted with toil and many emotions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard, 1885
A victorious warrior’s chant, both beautiful and savage, evokes profound awe and emotional overwhelm, similar to hearing Homer’s poetry.
In simple terms: A triumphant chant can move listeners deeply.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of language and triumph.
Themes
victory
language
emotion
beauty
rawness
Mood
awe
intense
reflective
Type
literary
inspirational
emotive
When to use this quote
- battle celebrations
- public speeches
- ritual chants
- artistic performances
Key Concepts
aesthetic awe
psychological impact
cultural resonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape emotional response?
- Can triumph be both beautiful and savage?
A Different Perspective
The effect may depend on personal fatigue and context.
