eidýllion

Eidýllion is a term derived from the Greek word eidyllion, meaning "little picture". It refers to a short, descriptive poem, often lyrical in nature, that focuses on a particular scene, emotion, or experience. These poems typically portray pastoral subjects, everyday life, or intimate moments, capturing a snapshot of a feeling or a setting.

The genre gained prominence in Hellenistic Greece with poets like Theocritus, who is widely considered the father of the pastoral idyll. His poems often depicted shepherds and their lives in idyllic rural settings, filled with simple pleasures, love, and sometimes melancholy. Other notable Hellenistic poets who contributed to the form include Bion and Moschus.

The concept of the eidýllion was later adopted and adapted by Roman poets, most famously Virgil in his Eclogues, which drew inspiration from Theocritus but also incorporated more complex themes and allegorical meanings. Throughout literary history, poets in various languages have created works that can be classified as eidýllia, continuing the tradition of short, evocative poems that capture a specific moment or sentiment. The focus is generally on realism and sensory detail, aiming to create a vivid impression for the reader.