Poetry
თამარიანი
Not translated into English
Simon Gugunava · 1888
Synopsis
A long narrative poem that puts into verse a historical novel devoted to a king's daughter named Tamar. The story follows the book it comes from, in a language nourished by oral poetry; some passages have become songs, one of which begins with the call to Shalva, the beloved. The detail of the plot is not accessible outside Georgian: what we retain is the source book and the manner.
Context
The poem puts into verse Tamar Batonichvili, a historical novel by Grigol Rtcheoulichvili. It bears the mark of Rustaveli's epic and that of popular speech, and it enjoyed great favour: ten editions between 1888 and 1970. Some passages were sung. Its title repeats that of a cycle of medieval odes to Queen Tamar, attributed to Tchakhroukhadze, without having any connection with it.
Who it is for
A narrative poem, with no French edition; be aware that the same word designates a twelfth-century cycle that has nothing to do with this text.
Prizes and reception
The book by which its author has lasted: ten editions from 1888 to 1970, and passages that became songs.