Here's why:
* Ancient Origins: Ballads are a very old form of poetry, originating in oral tradition. They were passed down through generations, sung and recited, long before written records existed.
* No Single Author: Early ballads were collaborative, evolving over time with each storyteller adding their own verses or variations.
* Lost to Time: Many early ballads have been lost to history, and we only have fragments or later versions.
However, we can point to some early examples:
* Medieval Ballads: The oldest surviving ballads date back to the medieval period (roughly 5th-15th centuries). Many of these were collected and written down in the 15th and 16th centuries, including "Robin Hood" ballads and "Sir Patrick Spens."
* Scottish Ballads: Scotland has a rich ballad tradition, and some scholars point to the *Complaynt of Scotland* (early 16th century) as an important early ballad collection.
* Folklore Influence: Ballads were deeply rooted in folklore and mythology, drawing inspiration from ancient tales, legends, and historical events.
In conclusion: While we can't pinpoint a single "first" ballad poem, it's important to recognize the long and evolving history of this form of poetry, with its roots in oral tradition and its contributions to the development of literature.