观猎 - 王维
Observing the Hunt - Wang Wei
A Vivid Scene of a Brisk Frontier Hunt
风劲角弓鸣，
The wind blows fiercely, the horn bows resound,
将军猎渭城。
A general hunts in the lands by the Wei River.
草枯鹰眼急，
Withered grass sharpens the eagle’s keen gaze,
雪尽马蹄轻。
As the last of the snow melts, horse hooves seem weightless.
忽过新丰市，
Suddenly, they pass the market at Xinfeng,
还归细柳营。
Heading back to camp at Xiliu.
回看射雕处，
Turning back to where the hawk was shot,
千里暮云平。
They see twilight clouds stretching level for a thousand miles.
In “Observing the Hunt,” Wang Wei offers a snapshot of a frontier hunting expedition during the Tang Dynasty. The poem’s brisk pace and dynamic imagery transport the reader to a moment when nature, military might, and the thrill of the chase converge. From the opening lines, we hear the wind whistling across taut bowstrings and sense the charged atmosphere as the general and his company ride out.
A visual contrast emerges between the barren winter landscape—withered grass and melting snow—and the heightened alertness of both men and birds of prey. Wang Wei underscores this tension by highlighting the eagle’s keen vision, which parallels the sharp focus of the hunters themselves. The passing through Xinfeng Market injects a human element, reminding us that even amid wilderness and martial splendor, daily life unfolds nearby.
The poem’s final lines convey the grandeur of the vast frontier at dusk. With the hunt concluded, the riders turn back and witness a seemingly endless stretch of evening clouds. This sudden turn from frenetic action to serene contemplation is a hallmark of Wang Wei’s style, merging vivid movement with a quiet, almost meditative awareness of nature’s majesty.
“Observing the Hunt” therefore captures more than just a militaristic pastime—it frames the interplay between humankind’s pursuit (of both game and power) and the open, indifferent canvas of the land. Wang Wei’s painterly approach makes this only eight-line poem feel visually rich, balancing the excitement of the chase with a subtle acknowledgment of nature’s enduring calm.
Key points
Wang Wei’s poem highlights how momentary bursts of activity—like a hunt—unfold against a vast, unchanging backdrop. Amid the keen eyes of eagles and the thunder of galloping hooves, the frontier environment remains ever-present. The poem suggests that even as humans pursue their ambitions, they remain part of a larger, timeless landscape that both accommodates and outlasts any fleeting display of power or pageantry.
Comments
BlazeHunteThere’s a cinematic quality to these lines—like a slow-motion capture of eagles diving and horses rushing. It’s surprisingly immersive for such an old poem.
Wild Red EagleI’m struck by the dynamism in ‘观猎.’ Wang Wei’s words make the hunt burst into vivid life.
Celestial IonReading ‘观猎’ in the context of modern conservation efforts evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, there’s admiration for the skillful hunters; on the other, an awareness of the toll on wildlife. Wang Wei’s poem invites that nuanced reflection, showing how our relationship with the natural world evolves across time and culture.
Electric Quantum PhaseIt’s fascinating how, in an era of wildlife conservation debates, this ancient hunting scene prompts reflection on our changing attitudes toward nature.
Calm Pink Owl NestThe swift action, dust clouds, and echoing calls evoke a sense of unity between the hunters and their environment. Much like a professional sports game today, it’s a shared, electric moment.
Savage PiranhaCompared to Wang Wei’s ‘使至塞上,’ which evokes a tranquil yet lonely frontier, ‘观猎’ roars with adrenaline and communal spirit. It’s a stark contrast that shows his range as a poet.
Swift Blue Cat CaveWhen I see viral videos of drone-assisted hunts or big-game expeditions, I’m reminded that the thrill of pursuit hasn’t changed much since Wang Wei’s time, though the methods certainly have.
Neat Cyan Owl NestThe poem’s energy reminds me of modern sports events—spectators cheering, the tension thick in the air, and a collective thrill at the spectacle.
Light KnightShort yet powerful: Wang Wei captures the moment when predator and prey converge in a single, breathtaking heartbeat.
Wild Red Dog CaveIt reminds me of how people flock to watch big game hunts on social media. The primal fascination with the chase remains, although the ethics and technology differ.
Loyal Gold FalconThinking about competitive sports hunting in modern times—where entire industries revolve around capturing that epic trophy—I can’t help but see parallels in the intense atmosphere Wang Wei describes. Even across centuries, the thrill of the chase remains compelling.
Sharp Blue HawkCompared to Wang Wei’s calm landscape poems like ‘鹿柴,’ this one feels charged with raw excitement and motion.
Mystic EagleThe opening lines, mentioning ‘风劲角弓鸣’ (the fierce wind and the resonating horn), instantly transport me to the tense moment before arrows fly.
Swift Black Cow DenI love how the imagery of ‘草枯鹰眼疾’ (the withered grass and the keen-eyed eagle) encapsulates the stark realism of the hunting field. It’s the perfect snapshot of nature’s raw side.
- Swift Blue Cat Cave
Contrasting ‘观猎’ with Du Fu’s reflective poems about war, I find this piece less tragic and more celebratory. It showcases skill and might, rather than lamenting the aftermath of conflict.
Light DragonReading ‘观猎’ next to Li Bai’s more romantic verses, I see how Wang Wei brings a sharper, almost documentary style. He focuses on the hunters’ skills and the swirling dust, highlighting the immediate intensity rather than dreamy imagery.
