# hexameter

> metrical line of verses consisting of six feet

**Wikidata**: [Q109548](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109548)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexameter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hexameter

## Summary
Hexameter is a metrical line of verse consisting of six feet, commonly used in classical poetry. It is a fundamental element of poetic meter, particularly in dactylic hexameter, which consists of six dactylic feet per line. This structure has been widely employed in epic poetry, including works by poets like Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, who used it in his monumental epic *Der Messias*.

## Key Facts
- Hexameter is defined as a metrical line of verses consisting of six feet.
- It is a key component of poetic meter, particularly in classical and epic poetry.
- Dactylic hexameter, a specific form of hexameter, consists of six dactylic feet per line.
- Hexameter is related to meter, which refers to the number and type of lines and syllables that a verse must have.
- It is part of the broader category of literary works, which are written creations intended for enjoyment or edification.
- Hexameter is associated with notable literary figures such as Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, a German poet known for his epic poem *Der Messias*.
- It is distinct from pentameter, which consists of five metrical feet.
- Hexameter is linked to various identifiers and classifications, including:
  - P227: 4159799-0
  - P244: sh85060581
  - P646: /m/03p22
  - P1417: art/hexameter
  - P2347: 29696
  - P2924: 2348395
  - P3222: hexameter
  - P3827: hexameter
  - P4212: pcrt5krm8zpfmk
  - P4342: heksameter
  - P6366: 144370353
  - P8189: 987007558045405171
  - P8313: heksameter
  - P8814: 07110903-n
  - P12086: Hexameter
  - P12596: 7990
  - P13591: concept/196288da-b367-4371-a040-bafebd72abd2
- Hexameter is part of the broader field of literature and is linked to specific categories like "Category: Literary works."
- It is maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation.
- Hexameter is associated with specific identifiers like psh_id, yso_id, and open_library_id for cataloging and reference.
- It is linked to the University of Barcelona authority ID and the Dictionary of Archives Terminology for institutional recognition.
- Hexameter is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification.
- It is part of the list of literary works and connected to the Encyclopedia of China (third edition) and Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging.

## FAQs
**What is hexameter?**
Hexameter is a metrical line of verse consisting of six feet, commonly used in classical poetry. It is a fundamental element of poetic meter, particularly in dactylic hexameter, which consists of six dactylic feet per line.

**How is hexameter related to meter?**
Hexameter is a key component of poetic meter, which refers to the number and type of lines and syllables that a verse must have. It is a specific form of meter that consists of six feet per line.

**What is the difference between hexameter and pentameter?**
Hexameter consists of six metrical feet per line, while pentameter consists of five metrical feet per line. Both are forms of poetic meter but differ in the number of feet.

**What is dactylic hexameter?**
Dactylic hexameter is a specific form of hexameter that consists of six dactylic feet per line. It is commonly used in epic poetry and is known for its rhythmic and structured nature.

**How is hexameter used in literary works?**
Hexameter is used in literary works as a metrical structure to create rhythmic and structured verses. It is particularly common in epic poetry and has been employed by notable poets like Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock in works such as *Der Messias*.

**What are some notable examples of hexameter in literature?**
One notable example of hexameter in literature is Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's epic poem *Der Messias*, which uses dactylic hexameter to reimagine the biblical story of the Messiah. This work is considered a cornerstone of German literature.

**How is hexameter classified and documented?**
Hexameter is classified and documented using various identifiers and classifications, including those from academic and library systems. It is linked to identifiers such as psh_id, yso_id, and open_library_id, and is maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation.

**What is the significance of hexameter in the field of literature?**
Hexameter is significant in the field of literature as a fundamental element of poetic meter. It has been widely employed in epic poetry and has influenced the development of literary traditions, particularly in classical and German literature.

**How is hexameter distinct from other forms of poetic meter?**
Hexameter is distinct from other forms of poetic meter by its specific structure of six feet per line. This sets it apart from forms like pentameter, which consists of five feet per line, and other metrical structures.

**What role does hexameter play in cultural and academic contexts?**
Hexameter plays a crucial role in cultural and academic contexts as a key element of poetic meter. It is studied and preserved in academic and cultural archives, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

## Why It Matters
Hexameter is a fundamental element of poetic meter that has played a crucial role in the development of classical and epic poetry. Its structured and rhythmic nature has made it a popular choice for poets seeking to create rhythmic and structured verses. Hexameter's influence extends to notable literary works, such as Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's *Der Messias*, which has shaped the trajectory of German literature. Its significance in the field of literature is further cemented by its classification and documentation in academic and library systems, ensuring its preservation and scholarly engagement. Hexameter's unique structure and rhythmic qualities make it a distinctive and important form of poetic meter, contributing to the richness and diversity of literary traditions.

## Notable For
- Being a metrical line of verse consisting of six feet, commonly used in classical poetry.
- Being a key component of poetic meter, particularly in dactylic hexameter, which consists of six dactylic feet per line.
- Being employed in notable literary works, such as Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's epic poem *Der Messias*.
- Being linked to various identifiers and classifications, including those from academic and library systems.
- Being maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation.
- Being associated with specific identifiers like psh_id, yso_id, and open_library_id for cataloging and reference.
- Being linked to the University of Barcelona authority ID and the Dictionary of Archives Terminology for institutional recognition.
- Being distinct from the general term "Werk" and having a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification.
- Being part of the list of literary works and connected to the Encyclopedia of China (third edition) and Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging.

## Body

### Definition and Nature
Hexameter is defined as a metrical line of verses consisting of six feet. It is a fundamental element of poetic meter, particularly in classical and epic poetry. Hexameter is known for its structured and rhythmic nature, making it a popular choice for poets seeking to create rhythmic and structured verses.

### Classification and Relationships
Hexameter is related to meter, which refers to the number and type of lines and syllables that a verse must have. It is part of the broader category of literary works, which are written creations intended for enjoyment or edification. Hexameter is associated with notable literary figures such as Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, a German poet known for his epic poem *Der Messias*.

### Properties and Identifiers
Hexameter is linked to various identifiers and classifications, including:
- P227: 4159799-0
- P244: sh85060581
- P646: /m/03p22
- P1417: art/hexameter
- P2347: 29696
- P2924: 2348395
- P3222: hexameter
- P3827: hexameter
- P4212: pcrt5krm8zpfmk
- P4342: heksameter
- P6366: 144370353
- P8189: 987007558045405171
- P8313: heksameter
- P8814: 07110903-n
- P12086: Hexameter
- P12596: 7990
- P13591: concept/196288da-b367-4371-a040-bafebd72abd2

### Cultural and Academic Context
Hexameter is part of the broader field of literature and is linked to specific categories like "Category: Literary works." It is maintained by WikiProject Books for structured documentation. Hexameter is associated with specific identifiers like psh_id, yso_id, and open_library_id for cataloging and reference. It is linked to the University of Barcelona authority ID and the Dictionary of Archives Terminology for institutional recognition.

### Maintenance and Curation
Hexameter is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and is associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
Hexameter is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from pentameter, which consists of five metrical feet per line.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
Hexameter is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Notable Examples in Literature
One notable example of hexameter in literature is Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's epic poem *Der Messias*, which uses dactylic hexameter to reimagine the biblical story of the Messiah. This work is considered a cornerstone of German literature and has influenced later poets and scholars.

### Influence on Literary Traditions
Hexameter's influence extends to notable literary works and has shaped the trajectory of German literature. Its structured and rhythmic nature has made it a popular choice for poets seeking to create rhythmic and structured verses, contributing to the richness and diversity of literary traditions.

### Academic and Cultural Recognition
Hexameter's work is extensively documented in academic and library systems globally. It holds numerous identifiers, including:
- **P227**: 4159799-0
- **P244**: sh85060581
- **P646**: /m/03p22
- **P1417**: art/hexameter
- **P2347**: 29696
- **P2924**: 2348395
- **P3222**: hexameter
- **P3827**: hexameter
- **P4212**: pcrt5krm8zpfmk
- **P4342**: heksameter
- **P6366**: 144370353
- **P8189**: 987007558045405171
- **P8313**: heksameter
- **P8814**: 07110903-n
- **P12086**: Hexameter
- **P12596**: 7990
- **P13591**: concept/196288da-b367-4371-a040-bafebd72abd2

Its legacy is further cemented by its association with notable literary figures and its role in the development of literary traditions. The sheer volume of references, with a sitelink count of 49, highlights its enduring relevance in literature, history, and culture. Hexameter continues to be studied, translated, and celebrated, ensuring its place as one of the most significant forms of poetic meter.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File