The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Poetry | Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Why Did the Old Sailor Kill the Albatross, and How Was He Relieved of His Curse? 

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Why did the old sailor kill the albatross, and how was he relieved of his curse?

Write short notes on  "Albatross" in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) produced the well-known poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in 1798. The poem describes the tale of an elderly sailor who kills an albatross and receives a curse. Although the reason the old sailor killed the albatross and why it led to a curse is complicated, it may be understood by looking at several of the poem's themes and symbols.

The reason behind the killing: The albatross is a prominent symbol of luck and wealth in the poem. For nine days, the albatross has been following them in the ocean. The group treats the bird like a friend and sees it as a sign of good things. Yet, the mariner chooses to shoot the bird with his crossbow for no apparent reason. Essentially, the murder stands for the mariner's arrogance and disregard for the natural world.

It is in his tongue. 

And I had done a hellish thing,

And it would work 'em woe:

For all averred, I had killed the bird

That made the breeze to blow.

The befallen curse: The Ancient Mariner and his two hundred comrades endure much suffering after slaying the Albatross. Due to a lack of wind and tide, their ship remains immobile when it enters the Pacific Ocean. The sun is brightly shining above. Due to a lack of water, their throats are so dry that they cannot speak.  His comrades blame him for their suffering and hang the dead albatross around his neck as a punishment.

Relief from the curse: All his comrades eventually die, and he is left alone on the vast sea. Inside the ship's shadow, the old sailor observes some colorful water snakes one day. They are vivid green and black. They leave trails in the water as they move and swim, resembling flashes of golden light in moonlight. He is overwhelmed with affection for them and unknowingly blesses them. The dead albatross slides from his neck as soon as he shows sincere love to the water snakes and is free of his curse. Here is a quotation regarding his release. 

He prayeth best, who loveth best

All things both great and small;

For the dear God who loveth us,

He made and loveth all.

Here, the poet says they pray to God earnestly, who loves all creatures equally. 

In conclusion, the old sailor kills the albatross Because of his arrogance and disregard for nature. The killing of the bird signifies humanity's environmental exploitation, and the curse that befalls the mariner and his crew is a warning about the consequences of this exploitation.

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Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner