Lāčplēsis

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For other uses, see Lāčplēsis (disambiguation).

Lāčplēsis is an epic poem by Andrejs Pumpurs, a Latvian poet, who wrote it between 1872-1887 based on local legends. Lāčplēsis is regarded as the Latvian national epic. The title could be roughly translated as "The Berserker", although it more literally translates to 'The Bear Slayer'.

1 Contents
2 Controversy
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Contents

Canto I: The council of gods

Canto II: The First heroic deed of Lāčplēsis-Lāčplēsis sets out to Burtnieki castle-Daughter of Aizkrauklis-Velna Bedre (the Hellhole)-Staburadze and her daughter-Koknesis

Canto III: Kangars and Diterichs-Kalapuisis the Giant-War with Estonians-Sunken castle of Burtnieki-Tales and teachings in scrolls of Burtnieki-Veļu nakts-Laimdota is missing

Canto IV:Kaupa visits holy father at Rome-founding of Riga-Laimdota at convent-Koknesis and Laimdota escapes from convent-Lāčplēsis in northern sea-Ziemeļmeita-Sumpurņi-edge of earth-Mountain of diamond-The bewitched island

Canto V: On the bewitched island-Three jodi-The Old Wich-Spīdala-Laimdota and Koknesis-meeting-home coming

Canto VI: Jāņi-council of chiefs-Lāčplēsis and his fellows at council-weddings-war with crusaders-Lāčplēsis at Lielvārde-Kangars and Diterichs as traitors-death of Lāčplēsis-The end

[edit] Controversy

Inspired by Romantic nationalism it reflects preceptions of life in 19th century and may seem too pretentious today - although it is based on Latvian folklore, it is also heavily mixed with Christian morality. Some of the Latvian gods are made up, some borrowed from Lithuanian folklore, and some have changed their responsiblities. Historical facts also appear to be incorrect i.e German leader named Diterichs appears to be present in Latvia around year 1200 - but the first German leader in Latvia named Dietrich was Dietrich von Grüningen Master of Livonia who was born around year 1210. Characters are very rough - they have almost no motivations for their deeds, they never look back and think what they have done i.e. Kangars betrays both his nation and his religion to save his own life, but later he helps crusaders in every possible way without any compunction.