Definition of idyll

The word "idyll" has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. In Greek, the word "eidyllion" (ελ milk เอ ід_dll) referred to a short, lyrical poem that depicted a peaceful and rustic scene. The term was popularized by the ancient Greek poet Theocritus, who wrote a collection of poems called "Idylls" in the 3rd century BC. These poems featured rural landscapes, shepherds, and idyllic scenes of love and simplicity. The Latin equivalent, "idyllium," was derived from the Greek term and continued to be used in medieval Latin literature. During the Romantic era, the word "idyll" was revived in English and French literature, often describing a short, imaginative prose piece that evoked a sense of peace and tranquility. Today, the term is used to describe not only a type of literary work but also a peaceful and serene scene or atmosphere.