While "O Fortuna" itself isn't a distinct type of poem, it draws from the following influences:
* Latin Poetry: The original text of "O Fortuna" is written in Latin, reflecting the language of medieval scholarship and religious texts.
* Medieval Lyrics: The themes of fate, fortune, and the fleeting nature of life are common in medieval lyric poetry.
* Goliardic Poetry: "Carmina Burana" itself is a collection of poems attributed to the Goliards, a group of wandering scholars and clerics known for their satirical and often bawdy writing.
Therefore, "O Fortuna" can be considered a choral setting of a medieval Latin poem with influences from medieval lyric and Goliardic poetry. The music by Carl Orff amplifies its dramatic impact and makes it a powerful, enduring work.