Der Tod Abels

poem by Gessner

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July 14, 2026

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Der Tod Abels (The Death of Abel) is an epic poem by Swiss writer Salomon Gessner, published in 1758. The poem retells the biblical story of Cain and Abel.123

In the biblical narrative, Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, was a shepherd whose offering to God was accepted. His older brother, Cain, a farmer, became jealous when his own offering was rejected. This jealousy led Cain to murder Abel, making him the first murderer. Gessner's poem explores this foundational story of fratricide, jealousy, and divine judgment, set within a pastoral and rococo style that made him famous throughout Europe. The work was widely translated and admired, even by Romantic writers.231

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Salomon Gessner
… (1756–72) and his epic poem Der Tod Abels (1758; “The Death of Abel”) were his most renowned works, making him the most successful and typical representative of a literary rococo movement. His pastorals were translated into 20 languages, including Welsh, Latin, and Hebrew. The English translation ran through many editions…
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… (1756–72) and his epic poem Der Tod Abels (1758; “The Death of Abel”) were his most renowned works, making him the most successful and typical representative of a literary rococo movement. His pastorals were translated into 20 languages, including Welsh, Latin, and Hebrew. The English translation ran through many editions…
Read More