The ode is a formal poem that originated in ancient Greece as a song or chant accompanied by dance. Traditionally, odes celebrate or praise their subject and are directed at something not present. They can explore personal or general issues. Odes are usually moderate to long in length and formal in nature. There are three main types: Pindaric odes follow a three-part structure and were performed with music; Horatian odes are more contemplative; and irregular odes contain elements of other ode types but with a flexible format.