Novel
Vardanank
Վարդանանք
Derenik Demirchian · 1943
Synopsis
The Vardanank: in the fifth century, the king of Persia demands that the Armenians convert to Zoroastrianism. The nobles of the country are divided between submission and revolt; the sparapet Vardan Mamikonian raises an army, while Prince Vasak of Syunik plays his own game and negotiates with both sides.
Context
The work appeared in two books, the first in 1943 and the second in 1946, and circumstances demanded it: the aim was to keep up the morale of the Armenian soldiers who had left for the front by reminding them of an ancient resistance. The sources are the two fifth-century historians, Yeghishé and Ghazar Parpetsi. The subject passed the censors because it celebrated a country's defence against an invader, and readers saw in it the allegory that was expected of them. The day of 26 May 451, near the river Tghmout, is at the centre of the second book.
Who it is for
Long, in two books with many characters, in an elevated language. It is better to know a little of the geography of ancient Armenia.
Prizes and reception
Its author's best-known work, which, when he was nearly seventy, made him a familiar name in every Armenian household.