When poets refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Historical Reference
Lord Randal's death-by-eel is often read as a reference to King Henry I of England, who is said to have died from eating too many lampreys in 1135. We'd guess that this is probably among the top ten most embarrassing celebrity deaths of all time.