The Albatross Following the Ship

The albatross is a significant character in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." The reason behind why the albatross followed the ship is not explicitly mentioned in the poem, but it is believed to represent a spiritual connection between the mariner and the natural world.

Spiritual Connection:
The albatross is seen as a symbol of good luck and a mystical creature in many cultures. In the poem, it is described as a "bird of good omen" and is initially welcomed by the sailors. The albatross is attracted to the ship, possibly due to some unseen connection or divine intervention.

The Sailors' Treatment:
Initially, the sailors treated the albatross with kindness and hospitality. They perceived it as a good omen and believed it brought them favorable winds. The bird was even fed by the crew, fostering a sense of camaraderie between the sailors and the natural world.

Shooting the Albatross:
However, the mariner, driven by a momentary fit of madness, shoots the albatross with his crossbow. This act is considered a grave sin against nature and brings a curse upon the ship and its crew. The sailors' treatment of the albatross changes drastically after this event.

Isolation and Blame:
The mariner's action is met with shock and outrage from the sailors. They blame him for their misfortunes and view him as responsible for their dire circumstances. The crew feels isolated and burdened by the consequences of the mariner's impulsive act.

Punishment and Guilt:
As the journey continues, the sailors endure unimaginable hardships and face supernatural occurrences. They suffer from extreme thirst, surrounded by a vast ocean with undrinkable saltwater. The guilt and punishment associated with the albatross's death weigh heavily on the crew, further isolating them from one another and intensifying their suffering.

Redemption and Change:
Throughout the course of the poem, the mariner undergoes a transformation. He learns to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings. By the end, he repents for his actions, blessing the water snakes that surround him and finding redemption. The albatross, in its death and the mariner's subsequent guilt, becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth and self-realization.

Overall, the albatross's following of the ship and the sailors' treatment of it serve as a metaphor for humanity's relationship with nature and the consequences of disrupting that harmony. It highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of respecting and cherishing the natural world.