This article is about the epic Serbian prince. For the fictional character, see The Lecturer's Tale. Prince Marko (Serbian: Краљевић Марко, Kraljević Marko; Macedonian: Крале Марко, Krale Marko; Bulgarian Крали Марко, Krali Marko) was a medieval Serbian prince who ruled an area in what is today the central part of the Republic of Macedonia between 1371 and 1395.
Marko was celebrated as a hero by many songs in Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian epic poetry. Folklore came to remember him as a respected protector and savior of the local population during the period of Turkish occupation. It is unclear why he became such an important epic figure, taking into account his relatively small historical role and more importantly his complete loyalty to the Turks throughout his reign.
Marko, the historical figure
Marko's capital was at Prilep. His father was King Vukašin (Вукашин), from the medieval Serbian House of Mrnjavčević (Мрњавчевић). Macedonian sources sometimes refer to the dynasty as the "Mrnjavčevci" (Мрњавчевци). The dynasty originated from the area known today as Herzegovina. After his father died fighting against the Ottoman Empire in Battle of Maritsa in 1371, Marko became an Ottoman vassal, and later died in the Battle of Rovine in 1395 fighting on the Turkish side.
Marko in Serbian epic poetry
Serbian epic poems attribute to Marko superhuman strength: He is said to be able to squeeze water from cornel dried for nine years; his weapon of choice is said to be a mace (Serbian: топуз or topuz) of 66 oka (85 kilograms); the horse he chose was said to be the only one he could not throw over his shoulder.
The poems also assert his knightly valor: Even though he is prone to short-tempered outbursts, he remains a protector of the poor and the helpless, a guardian of the law and order, even when to his disadvantage. In one song he mourns killing a hero who was better than himself; in another, he decides on the rightful ruler of the Serbian Empire even though his dishonesty could have benefited his own father. It is told that he chose to die when guns were invented (thus living for hundreds of years) and when he saw that "every coward can kill a hero," even from a distance. Even in death he only sleeps, waiting in a cave until he is needed again, a typical king in the mountain motif.
Marko's horse was named Šarac (Шарац, English Dappled). He was depicted as a perfect match for the prince's strength, and even drank Marko's wine. A typical song begins with: "He drinks wine, oh prince Marko;/half he drinks, half he gives to Šarac". Marko's chosen woman-protector is a vila called Ravijojla (Равијојла).
His mother Jevrosima (Јевросима) is historically unknown, although Marko and his brother Andrеja (Андреја, sometimes known as Andrijaš) both exist in the historical chronicles of King Vukašin. In Serbian epic poetry Mother Jevrosima becomes a symbol of justice, morality, and the Christian worldview.
Jevrosima is also sister of duke Momčilo. Marko's father - King Vukašin wanted Momchilo's wife as his, who helped to kill Marko's uncle along with him. Jevrosima tried to stop them, but failed to do so, which cost her greatly in that time - her hair was cut by Momčilo's wife. When Vukašin, after Momčilo's death, noticed how Momčilo was a great hero, much better than him, he said: "If she (Momčilo's wife) betrayed such hero, God knows what will she do to me!". Instead, he chose Jevrosima as his wife and killed Momčilo's wife in the traditional way for traitors: tying her to the tails of angry horses. It is later said that Marko was more like his uncle than like Vukašin.
Marko in Bulgarian and Macedonian epic poetry
According to the Bulgarian and Macedonian legends, at the birth of Krale (Krali) Marko, three narecnitsi (fate-fairies) appeared and foretold that he would become a hero and replace his father, the king. When king Volkašin heard this he threw his son in a basket in the river to get rid of him. But a samodiva (also called samovila) named Vila found Marko and brought him up, becoming his foster mother. Because Marko suckled the samodiva's milk, he acquired supernatural powers. As in Serbian epic poetry, he is portrayed as a freedom fighter against the Turks. He has a winged horse, called Sharkolia (meaning Dappled) and a step-sister - the samodiva Gyura. The Bulgarian legends incorporate important fragments of pagan Slavic mythology and beliefs, even though the Bulgarian folk epos was created as late as 14-18th century. Bulgarian epic tales, including those about Krali Marko, are found mainly in the Southwestern part of the country.[1]
Marko in modern literature
Marko is also the titular character in Marguerite Yourcenar's short story Marko's Smile, published in the volume Oriental Tales. His character, while showing extraordinary courage and endurance, is at the same time portrayed as a selfish and ruthless man who does not fight for any particular ideals.
See also
External links
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