Myth in the Poetry of Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi

Abstract

Ahmad Zaki Abu Shadi is a poet and one of the pioneers of the Apollo school in contemporary Arabic poetry. The aim of this research is to elucidate the functions and methods of employing myth as a structural and semantic element in Abu Shadi’s poetry. Using a content analysis methodology, the author examines the typology of the myths utilized (including Greek, Egyptian, and Eastern) and demonstrates that Abu Shadi does not merely recount ancient narratives; rather, by blending them with his lived experiences and contemporary concerns, he creates new meanings and deepens the semantic layers of his poetry. The findings indicate that myth in Abu Shadi’s poetry is not only a tool for enhancing aesthetics and poetic imagination but also serves as a grand metaphor, a vehicle for expressing concepts such as identity, freedom, love, and death. Furthermore, it acts as a reflection of the internal and external conflicts of modern humanity. Ultimately, this article emphasizes that myth-making in Abu Shadi’s poetry, as a bridge between ancient heritage and poetic modernism, has contributed to the enrichment of Arabic literature and the universality of the poet’s message.