The Golden Legend

"The Golden Legend" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a narrative poem that shares Christian stories from long ago, shining a light on faith, selflessness, and otherworldly events. The poem mixes history and myth, centering on Prince Henry and his fight against illness and hopelessness, which acts as an entry point for tales of old. It begins with a fight between Lucifer and holy beings around a sacred Cross. Then, Prince Henry appears, sick and searching for relief. Lucifer, pretending to be a doctor, tempts him with dangerous cures. As the story goes on, Henry's sadness connects with legends of great sacrifice, exploring big questions about life. The poem creates a contrast between good and evil, showing the burden of sin and the hope for forgiveness, setting the scene for the rest of the story.