Bearslayer
Author: Anothertravelguide.com0 COMMENTS
Bearslayer (Lāčplēsis) is Latvia's mythological strongman, whose superhuman exploits have been recounted to practically all Latvian children for as far back as anyone can remember. During the late 19th century, Latvian poet Andrejs Pumpurs penned the classic and legendary Bearslayer epos, based on popular Latvian folktales that he himself had once heard.
Sword in hand, the noble-hearted Bearslayer fought to defend his people against various threats, including foreign invaders. As Pumpurs' epos recounts, one fateful, moonlit night, at the climax of the most difficult and important struggle of his lifetime, Bearslayer tumbles off a cliff into the depths of the Daugava River, together with his nemesis, the evil, German Dark Knight.
Although both arch-rivals have not been seen or heard of since, the Bearslayer legend states that at some unknown time in the future, their epic battle will resume on that same cliff face, and that when this happens, the Dark Knight will finally be vanquished for good.
In connection with this classic, Latvian legend, every year, on November 11, Latvians across the country celebrate Bearslayer Day (Lāčplēša diena), to commemorate the day in 1919 when a resolute group of vastly outnumbered and poorly equipped Latvian volunteers managed to repel a concerted assault upon their capital city by German invading forces.
In the evening, thousands of people of all ages gather on the Embankment to place candles at a brick wall by the Riga Castle. The candles are placed there throughout the night, making the wall shine forth in a brilliant sea of burning flames. A few paces away, by the riverfront, children place lit candles onto paper boats and push them off into the dark waters of the Daugava. This is a wonderful family event that is not to be missed if you happen to be in Riga on November 11.
SHARE:
ABOUT US • CONTACTS • RSS • FOLLOW US: 
ENG LAT
© anothertravelguide.com 2015
Anothertravelguide.com is an internet resource for independent travellers. All addresses listed on anothertravelguide.com - hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. have been tested and evaluated by our authors. All opinions are subjective and anothertravelguide.com takes no responsibility if any of these locations don't live up to your personal expectations, taste or mood, or has undergone serious changes since visited by authors and experts of anothertravelguide.com.