Ozymandiasa

Ozymandias is a sonnet written by the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. First published in 1818, the poem is a reflection on the transience of power and the inevitable decay of even the greatest empires. The title itself is a Greek name for the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, a ruler known for his vast building projects and immense authority.

The poem is framed as a story told by a traveler who has visited a desolate desert land. There, amidst the sand, the traveler finds the shattered remains of a colossal statue. Inscribed at its base are the words: "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" These proud boasts are juxtaposed with the surrounding ruin, emphasizing the futility of Ozymandias's ambition and the ultimate triumph of time over human endeavor.

Shelley's "Ozymandias" is a powerful critique of tyranny and a meditation on mortality. The poem's enduring popularity lies in its vivid imagery, its profound message, and its concise, impactful structure. It remains one of Shelley's most celebrated works and a significant piece of English poetry.