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Yes, a ballad can be either one, or a combination of both. Some ballads have been based entirely on a historical event, which was then put into ballad form so that the event it described would be more easy to remember: in the centuries before there was widespread literacy, songs (and poems) were a useful way to transmit historical stories.

It should be noted, however, that even when a ballad is based on an actual event, the telling of the story may not be accurate (as with TV documentaries and historically-themed movies, sometimes the author takes some dramatic license to make the plot more exciting). There are ballads sung about many famous historical heroes and villains, from Robin Hood to Jesse James, and some ballads about historical events have become hit songs, such as the 1976 ballad by Gordon Lightfoot, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." (As mentioned, while the song was about an actual event, some of the details in it were not entirely accurate.)

There are also ballads that have nothing whatsoever to do with history. They tell a story about love, or romance, or patriotism, or any of a number of topics that inspire songs and poems.

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12y ago
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1mo ago

Yes, a Ballad can be both historical and non-historical. Historical ballads are based on real events or figures from the past, while non-historical ballads are fictional or based on contemporary events. Both types of ballads often convey emotions and tell stories through lyrics and music.

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Q: Can a ballad be historical or nonhistorical?
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Related questions

What is the composition of a ballad?

The composition of a ballad is the writing of a song or poem that is intended to tell a story of some kind, whether historical or fictional.


What is the ballad of 65?

"Ballad of '65" may refer to various songs or poems written about historical events in 1965, but there isn't a single specific "Ballad of '65" that is widely known. It may also refer to a fictional, symbolic, or localized event.


How does repetition affect a ballad?

Repetition in a ballad can create a sense of rhythm and familiarity, emphasizing key themes or emotions. It can help to reinforce the narrative and make the central message of the ballad more memorable to the audience. Additionally, repetition can evoke a sense of tradition and oral storytelling, connecting the ballad to its historical roots.


What is a secret ballad?

A secret ballad is a traditional form of narrative poetry that tells a story or recounts a historical event. It is often passed down orally and may contain elements of mystery or intrigue. The term "secret" suggests that the ballad may reveal hidden truths or esoteric knowledge.


Where is the Lowland Sea referred to in the song The Golden Vanity?

Various historical ballad sources list the lowland seas as in Holland, Virginia or Scotland. the Golden Vanity is related to an older ballad about the ship The Sweet Trinity and is considered to be about Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Elizabeth's favorite courtier who was quite famous as a seafarer and amongst other things was involved in the naming and colonization of Virginia and Roanoke Island. Which makes the note on Virginia interesting. There are lost of historical ballad information at: http://www.contemplator.com/


What makes a ballad a ballad?

the ryme sceme


Is Lochinvar a ballad?

Yes, Lochinvar is a ballad.


Where did the ballad originate?

The ballad originated from Germany. =]


What are the example of ballads?

Some examples of famous ballads include "The Ballad of John Henry," "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," and "Barbara Allen." Ballads are narrative songs or poems that often tell a story with a folk or historical theme.


What has the author Walter H Rubsamen written?

Walter H. Rubsamen has written: 'Historical and patriotic subjects' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Scottish ballad operas II: History and politics' -- subject(s): Drama, Ballad operas, Librettos 'Classical subjects I: Satire and burlesque' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'York ballad operas and Yorkshiremen' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Descriptive music for stage and screen' -- subject(s): Program music, Motion picture music, Incidental music 'Country operas III: Sentimental and moral comedies' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'The medical and legal professions' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Satire, burlesque, protest, and ridicule I' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Farce: Magical transformation and necromancy' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Court intrigue and scandal II' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'The influence of pantomime and harlequinade' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Satire, burlesque, protest, and ridicule II' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Music Research In Italian Libraries' 'Topical and nautical operas' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos 'Country operas II: Farcical humor and stratagem' -- subject(s): Ballad operas, Librettos


Who wrote the ballad of Hillsborough?

The ballad of Hillsborough was written by Pete Wylie.


Can a ballad be in first person?

Yes. The "I" of the ballad is not the singer.