Epic biography of Kraljević Marko in the poems from Kosovo and Metohija: An addition to the study of Marko's duels

Abstract

Among folk epic poems from Kosovo and Metohija there is large number of those that tell about the heroic deeds and bravery of Marko Kraljević. To defeat so many strong and serious opponents, Marko did not only rely upon his physical strength, but was ready for deception and cunning, when his own survival was in danger. In this paper, through the review of certain poems, the author tries to reveal his characteristics: cleverness, adaptability and wisdom. All these lead to the clear outcome in epic poems: a victory of Marko Kraljević whose acts, for the difference of ethical, knightly, Christian-ideological medals, do not represent glorification.

Keywords

• Marko Kraljević
• Kosovo and Metohija
• epic poems