Der König in Thule

"Der König in Thule" is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It tells the story of a Thulean king who, after losing his beloved, keeps his sorrow private and continues to live with deep mourning. Despite his grief, he remains proud and dignified, embodying the idea that genuine love and sorrow are personal and enduring. The poem reflects on how love and memory can define a person's existence, even amidst loss and aging.