What is panegyric poet?

A panegyric poet is a writer who composes poems that praise and celebrate a person, a group of people or an event. The term 'panegyric' comes from the Greek word 'panegyrikos,' which means 'public eulogy' or 'public speech of praise.' Panegyric poets were popular in ancient times, and their works were often commissioned by rulers or wealthy patrons to commemorate important events or honor individuals of status.

Panegyric poems often use elevated language and imagery to express admiration or glorification, and they typically emphasize the virtues of the subject being praised. These poems can take many forms, including hymns, odes, elegies, and epics. Famous examples of panegyric poetry include Virgil's "Aeneid," Homer's "Iliad," and John Milton's "Paradise Lost."

The role of the panegyric poet has evolved over time, but the tradition of praising individuals or groups in verse remains a popular form of expression in literature today. In contemporary poetry, one might find politically motivated poems that praise a particular leader or movement, or poems that praise individuals who have made significant contributions to society or the arts.