Poetry
Šlovė žemaičių
Not translated into English
Simonas Stanevičius · 1829
Synopsis
Glory of the Samogitians: a song raised, according to its subtitle, in praise of the young Samogitians who then animate the literary life of Vilnius. The poem recalls the city as the ancient hearth of learning and the glory of the grand dukes of Lithuania, laments the decline of the language and of the homeland, then declares its faith in a bright future for the country. By its tone, it is a programmatic poem as much as a song of praise.
Context
The ode bears the date of 3 August 1823: the author was then beginning his second year of studies in Vilnius. It was printed six years later, following the author's six fables, in a volume that also brought together six fables by Donelaitis. The Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija calls it classical in form and romantic in content, and Vincas Maciūnas sees in it a true patriotic hymn of the early nineteenth century; it did indeed become the hymn of educated youth.
Who it is for
A short poem, never translated into French. The word “Samogitians” here designates the inhabitants of Lower Lithuania, and not a distinct nation.
Prizes and reception
Regarded as the first ode in Lithuanian literature, it earned its author, best known for his fables, a place as a classic.
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