It's difficult to pinpoint specific poems, as many legends are woven through various cultures and eras. However, I can offer examples of poems that capture the spirit of early civilization legends, either directly or through their themes:
Epic Poems:
* The Epic of Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia): This epic poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. It explores themes of friendship, loss, and the nature of humanity.
* The Iliad and The Odyssey (Ancient Greece): These epics by Homer recount the Trojan War and Odysseus' journey home. They delve into themes of heroism, fate, and the complexities of human nature.
* The Mahabharata and Ramayana (Ancient India): These epic poems detail the conflicts of warring families and the adventures of a divine prince, respectively. They explore themes of duty, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil.
* Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon England): This epic poem tells the story of Beowulf, a warrior who defeats monstrous creatures. It explores themes of courage, strength, and the struggle against evil.
Mythological Poems:
* The Creation Myth (Various Cultures): Many cultures have creation myths that explain the origin of the world and humans. These poems often feature gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings.
* The Myth of Persephone (Ancient Greece): This myth tells the story of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life.
* The Myth of Icarus (Ancient Greece): This myth tells the story of Icarus, who flies too close to the sun and falls to his death. The poem explores themes of ambition, hubris, and the consequences of pushing boundaries.
Modern Poems Inspired by Legends:
* "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe (19th century): This poem, while not directly based on a specific legend, draws inspiration from gothic and supernatural themes found in ancient folklore.
* "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot (20th century): This poem uses mythical and historical references to explore themes of disillusionment and loss in the modern world.
* "The Odyssey" by Nikos Kazantzakis (20th century): This novel reimagines the Odyssey as a journey of spiritual exploration, reflecting on themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.
To find more specific poems:
* Search online databases: Resources like Poetry Foundation, The Poetry Archive, and Project Gutenberg offer vast collections of poems. Use keywords like "epic," "myth," or the name of a specific culture or legend.
* Explore literary anthologies: Many anthologies focus on specific periods, cultures, or themes.
* Consult experts: Librarians, professors, and poets can provide valuable recommendations based on your interests.
Remember, the beauty of legends is that they can be reinterpreted and reimagined endlessly. This means you can find poems that capture the spirit of these ancient stories, even if they are not directly based on a specific text.