A ballad is a form of narrative poetry that tells a story, often focusing on themes of love, tragedy, or adventure. Traditionally, ballads are composed of quatrains, which are four-line stanzas, and they often use a simple rhyme scheme. They are meant to be sung or recited, making them accessible and memorable. Ballads have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where they were shared orally. Famous examples include the Scottish ballads and the English folk ballads, which often recount historical events or legendary figures. Today, ballads continue to influence various music genres, including pop and country.