Albatross (metaphor) Albatross (metaphor) The word albatross is sometimes used metaphorically to mean a psychological burden that feels like a curse. It is an allusion to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" (1798). In the poem, an albatross starts to follow a ship — being followed by an albatross was generally considered a sign of good luck. However, the titular mariner shoots the albatross with a crossbow, which is regarded as an act that will curse the ship (which indeed suffers terrible mishaps). Even when they are too thirsty to speak, the ship's crew let the mariner know
Rime of the Ancient Mariner (film) starting in April 2007 on DVD. The film was released to a responsive commercial market despite the fact that it has never been promoted or advertised. A review in the April 1986 edition of "Library Journal" called it "a must for schools, and an excellent choice for public libraries." DaSilva plans to have the film circulated worldwide where it has thus far not been released, believing Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s intrinsic message about the sanctity of all life on Earth is just as important today as it has ever been. Rime of the Ancient Mariner (film) Rime of the Ancient Mariner