Héroïde

A héroïde (also sometimes spelled "heroid") is a type of verse epistle, a poem in the form of a letter written in elegiac couplets, supposedly by a heroic or legendary figure, usually a woman, to her absent lover or husband. These letters express the writer's love, grief, and lamentation over their separation, often delving into themes of betrayal, abandonment, and longing.

The term "héroïde" is derived from the title of a collection of such poems, Heroides (also known as Epistulae Heroidum or Letters of Heroines), by the Roman poet Ovid. Ovid's Heroides is considered the foundational work of the genre and served as a model for subsequent writers. These poems feature mythological heroines such as Penelope, Dido, and Medea.

Following Ovid's example, later authors composed their own héroïdes, often expanding the scope to include male figures as writers, or exploring more complex psychological and emotional states. The genre experienced revivals and adaptations throughout literary history, notably during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods. The influence of the héroïde can be seen in later epistolary novels and dramatic monologues that explore the inner lives and emotional turmoil of historical or fictional characters. The focus on individual psychology and the dramatic expression of intense emotions are key characteristics of the form.