La Légende des siècles

poem by Hugo

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June 30, 2026

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La Légende des siècles is an epic poem by Victor Hugo, published in installments between 1859 and 1883. This monumental work comprises a series of historical and mythological narratives that explore humanity's journey through time, often focusing on the struggle between good and evil. Hugo uses these legends to convey his personal mythology and his belief in progress and the eventual triumph of justice and peace. The poem draws on various historical periods and legends, showcasing Hugo's spiritual power and his talent for storytelling.12

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Victor Hugo
Exile (1851–70) of Victor Hugo
…of the gigantic epic poem La Légende des siècles (The Legend of the Centuries), whose second and third installments appeared in 1877 and 1883, respectively. The many poems that make up this epic display all his spiritual power without sacrificing his exuberant capacity to tell a story. Hugo’s personal mythology…
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…of the gigantic epic poem La Légende des siècles (The Legend of the Centuries), whose second and third installments appeared in 1877 and 1883, respectively. The many poems that make up this epic display all his spiritual power without sacrificing his exuberant capacity to tell a story. Hugo’s personal mythology…
Read More

French literature
New directions in poetry
Les Contemplations (1856; “Contemplations”), and La Légende des siècles (1859, 1877, 1883; “The Legend of the Centuries”) are linked by their epic quality. Different as they are in content, intention, and tone, each is loosely structured to create an overall unity. Les Châtiments, written from exile in the Channel Islands…
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Les Contemplations (1856; “Contemplations”), and La Légende des siècles (1859, 1877, 1883; “The Legend of the Centuries”) are linked by their epic quality. Different as they are in content, intention, and tone, each is loosely structured to create an overall unity. Les Châtiments, written from exile in the Channel Islands…
Read More