Poetry
The Baptism on the Savica
Krst pri Savici
France Prešeren · 1836
Synopsis
In the eighth century, Valjhun, the Christian duke who governs Carantania, besieges the stronghold where the last Slavs faithful to the old gods have entrenched themselves. Their young leader, Črtomir, harangues his warriors before the decisive battle. With the battle lost, he finds Bogomila, whom he loves, once a priestess of the goddess Živa: she has become a Christian, and she urges him to receive baptism in his turn.
Context
The poem was written from July 1835 to January 1836, after the drowning of the friend who had been its author's literary guide; according to the national radio, it was this friend who wanted to see his people given an epic celebrating its past. It has two parts, an introduction in tercets on the last battle, then the account of the reunion in fifty-three octaves, more intimate; a dedicatory sonnet was added ten years later. It deals with collective identity, fidelity to ancestors and resignation. It inspired a relief on the Ljubljana monument, a cantata, a symphonic poem and a chamber opera.
Who it is for
A short narrative poem in regular stanzas. A few notes on the conversion of the Slavs of the Alps help in following it.
Prizes and reception
The historian Marko Juvan regards it as the Slovene national epic; the day of its author's death, 8 February, has become the national day of culture.
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