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Incantatory poem

Form
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A poem employing rhythm, repetition, or chant to invoke a sense of ritual power

Detailed Definition
Incantatory poem uses rhythmic repetition, sonic density, and ceremonial phrasing to produce a spell-like effect, prioritizing sound and ritual over narrative or argument; it often employs anaphora, alliteration, and parallel syntax to lull or elevate the listener, functioning as verbal talisman in traditions from shamanic chant to Beat poetry.
Example
Example in poetry:
A whole poem built as a chant: “O night of stars, O night of flame, O night eternal”; “Dream, dream, little one, dream”; “Rise, flame, rise, flame”; “Blessed be the river, blessed be the sea, blessed be the tide”
Additional Notes
A poem characterized by strong, pervasive rhythm and deliberate repetition of words or phrases, creating a hypnotic, spell-like, or ceremonial effect; often focuses on ritual, prayer, or intense emotion; related to 'chant'.
Also Known As
chant poem spell-poem invocation verse conjuring poetry
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