Comparing T.S. Eliot’s Journey of the Magi to the Biblical Story of the Wise Men

Rather than celebrating the wonders of the journey, The Journey of the Magi presents it as an arduous and painful experience. The poem opens with five lines adapted from a passage in the Nativity Sermon delivered by Lancelot Andrewes, the Bishop of Winchester, to King James I on Christmas Day, 1622. Andrewes’ original text reads: “A cold coming they had of it at this time of the year, just the worst time of the year to take a journey, and specially a long journey. The ways deep, the weather sharp, the days short, the sun farthest off, in solstitio brumali, the very dead of winter.” This opening sets the tone, introducing the magus’ recollection of a journey fraught with discomfort and doubt. The speaker describes how, throughout their trek, a voice persistently whispered that “this was all folly.” When they finally reach the infant, the magus seems underwhelmed by the child yet profoundly aware that the Incarnation has fundamentally altered the world. The speaker reflects:“…were we led all that way forBirth or Death?” The birth of Christ, he realizes, marked the death of the old world—of magic, astrology, and paganism. Speaking in his old age, the magus admits that the birth not only ended his way of life but left him with little to do but await his own death. During the journey, the Magi witness “three trees against a low sky.” This single image is rich in symbolism, hinting at both the historical future—the crucifixion, an allusion to a pivotal biblical event—and the spiritual truth of what is to come. The lowering skies suggest heaven opening, foreshadowing the transformative significance of Christ’s life and death.