Prologue

## Chapter Chronology

**The Prologue** (Georgian: **პროლოგი** or **დასაწყისი**) is the introductory chapter of *"The Knight in the Panther's Skin"*. Comprising 32 stanzas, it provides crucial historical information about the poem. It reveals details such as the poet's identity, the purpose of writing the poem, the dedication of the poem to a specific individual, the potential source of inspiration, and the author's perspectives on various forms of love. Additionally, the Prologue offers a glimpse into the three central characters: Tariel, Avtandil, and Nuradin-Phridon.

## Summary

Shota Rustaveli is a titan of the Georgian literature, an unequalled master of poetry, and a true genius. His only work, *The Knight in the Panther's Skin,* is full of wisdom and is the pride of the Georgian people. Like an unset pearl, it has been passed down from hand to hand over centuries, preserved as a precious heritage for contemporaneity. Secular ideas that are important for every nation in every period are embedded deep down in the poem, which is the reason why it has become an immortal and beloved creation.

The main subject of *The Knight in the Panther's Skin* is love - a broad, all-encompassing, uplifting, and empowering feeling - *"It is Divine Love that inspires us, that raises up our soul,"* says the poet, and the lives of his characters, every choice they make, and deeds they do only prove the validity of those words.

However, the content of the poem is by no means exhausted only by this subject. Other than love, it is also the intriguing friendship between the heroes, without which it'd perhaps be impossible to successfully crown the Rustvelian idea of love.

Still, this isn't everything. *The Knight in the Panther's Skin* sheds light on many other topics and evaluates them properly.

## Paraphrase

The one who used His power and strength to create the heavens and the earth also bestowed His Holy Spirit upon all living beings. As a result, it became our rightful place to govern and rule over the vibrant earth, and we can recognize the reflection of the divine in the faces of our leaders.

Oh Lord, the creator of all things, I implore you to save me at this moment. Grant me enough strength to triumph over the influence of evil. Allow my deepest desires, which endure until death, to be fulfilled. Remove the burdensome sins that weigh me down and cause my physical and spiritual suffering.

Our ruler is symbolized by the presence of weapons like a lance, shield, and sword, just as a lion guards its territory. Look at the radiant and dark-haired King Tamar, who is like the shining sun. I am uncertain of how to properly praise her. Should I dare to attempt it? Those who have witnessed her presence should offer joyful gifts in celebration.

By shedding tears of blood, we express our adoration for our King, and let me emphasize from the beginning: I consider myself significant among those who have praised her. I used a lake of ebony as ink, and my writing instrument was as sharp as a dart. Whoever listens to the lines I have written will be deeply moved, as if a spear will pierce their heart!

They asked me to write beautiful poetry, to sing praises of a majestic figure. I extolled their captivating features like eyebrows, lashes, and hair with eloquent words. Their ruby lips and radiant teeth were a dazzling sight, and it amazed me how even the hardest stone could be shattered by a leaden anvil.

To accomplish this task, I needed a quick tongue, clever skills, and mastery of speech. I prayed for strength and divine guidance to craft my words wisely. Through my poetry, I aimed to protect Tariel from evil and celebrate the intertwined destinies of three shining heroes.

I called upon the listeners to join me and shed tears for Tariel, a man whose greatness knew no bounds. As Rustaveli, I wrote this poem, driven by an intense longing that fate would not release. From a tale, I transformed it into a radiant diamond centerpiece of verse.

My passion for the ruler, whom whole armies obey, rendered me partially crazed. There was no cure for the affliction brought upon me by love. Only the one I adore can ease my pain, or else my life will fade away.

I took an ancient Persian tale and retold it in the Georgian tongue. It had been an undiscovered gem, passing from one hand to another. But I reshaped it into poetic gold for the beautiful and bold one who captured my heart and reason.

Though blinded by their radiant presence, my eyes desire nothing else. My heart burns with an uncontrollable passion, consumed by love's destiny. I yearn for someone to soothe my tormented soul. Our vibrant three-part music requires words to sing its praises to you.

It is the duty of a man to bear the burdens fate bestows without complaint. Laborers should work diligently, soldiers should display courage on the battlefield, and lovers should remain devoted until their last breath. A true lover should never reject or scorn the love that can be saved.

The art of poetry is a branch of wisdom's mighty tree, recognized as a holy task by all righteous individuals. Verse brings pleasure to those who are worthy of its beauty, as profound thoughts can be elegantly expressed in concise lines.

Just as horses demonstrate their strength in long and arduous races, and players showcase their skills in public competitions, long poems test the poet's ability to arrange words effectively. However, if a poet's inspiration wanes and their pace slows, they should not abruptly truncate their story or allow the language to lose its vitality. Instead, they should skillfully wield their words throughout the heroic tale.

A poet is not defined by past accomplishments of writing a few poems. Praise should be reserved for masters of the craft, not bestowed upon those who produce rough and sparse verses. Merely boasting and proclaiming oneself as the best does not make one a true poet, akin to a donkey's braying.

There are poets who create short poems that barely leave an impact. These shallow compositions fail to stir the human heart, resembling inexperienced hunters chasing small game rather than noble prey. Another form of short poem serves as a simple song, suitable for wooing, jesting, and light-hearted amusement. However, even in this case, a poet cannot be considered as such if they cannot recite longer works.

A poet must not waste their poetic power or expend their energy in vain. Love should reign supreme over their heart and verses. Knowing that their poems preserve the glory of love, they should not seek their lover's praise for poems that explicitly express their affection.

It is important for everyone to recognize that the one I praised earlier is the same person I continue to extol. There is no shame in this, but rather an honor bestowed upon my days. My beloved, who is as ruthless as a panther, remains veiled in anonymity, yet their name is subtly revealed in the lines above.

My aim now is to discuss the concept of ideal love, although it proves to be the most challenging to articulate, define, or glorify. It is the love that emanates from the divine realm, inspiring and uplifting our souls. However, those who strive to attain such love often find themselves paying a price.

Let us delve into desire, a force that surpasses our comprehension and ignites the body's passions. I praise those lovers who ardently yearn for each other from afar, experiencing the torment of unconsummated affection. We must also acknowledge the earthly desires that fulfill the needs of the flesh, recognizing that those who refrain from sin and maintain a love that is distant exhibit the purest intentions.

In the Arabic language, a word is used to describe a lover, implying madness. For when a beloved departs, a lover's reason becomes unhinged. Some devotees persistently seek to reach the heights of Divine Love, yet their efforts prove futile. Others find contentment in courting earthly maidens, finding beauty in simplicity.

A true lover should possess a radiant countenance, akin to the sun that illuminates our world. They should be youthful, generous, wise, and prosperous. Kindness, strength, and wit should be their companions, accompanied by eloquent storytelling. Those who fall short of these qualities may possess a semblance of a lover's facade, but they lack the essence of true love.

Love is a complex entity, difficult to comprehend. It is tender, delicate, and sublime, holding no resemblance to mere lust. True love transcends the earthly realm, connecting with the divine. On the other hand, desire exists as a separate entity, distinct from love, and it is crucial never to confuse the two.

A lover must always remain steadfast and pure, avoiding coarseness or crudeness. Even in the absence of the beloved, sighs of longing should not be suppressed. The heart should yearn for the beloved, even when she may exhibit a sullen demeanor. I detest love devoid of genuine emotion, characterized by heartless embraces, loud and vulgar lip smacking.

The lover should never abandon the one with whom they initially fell in love. They should not become complacent in moments of happiness or lose heart in times of hardship. They should be willing to abandon themselves completely for their beloved, without any regrets or hesitation, even if it means facing the threat of death.

A lover should never mistake a profane feeling for love, one that fluctuates today and diminishes tomorrow. Such love is superficial, akin to youthful folly and brings no true fulfillment. A genuine lover is willing to sacrifice everything in order to let love reign supreme.

The noblest kind of lover keeps his ardent affection concealed, refraining from groaning aloud and exposing his love to shame. He yearns from a distance, learning and surrendering himself to the consuming fire of love. When his lady is displeased, he shields himself with reverence.

He refuses to betray the sacred secret of his beloved's name, never uttering showy sighs or bringing shame upon his love. He does not make their love a public spectacle, avoiding his lover's reproach. He finds joy in suffering for love, willingly embracing the searing flames.

One should be wary of trusting a man who openly reveals the state of his heart, for his indiscretions bring suffering to both. How can he champion love after such a dishonorable beginning? He desecrates his cherished love by behaving like a thoughtless gossip.

I am perplexed by those who turn love into a spectacle, inflicting further wounds upon an already wounded heart. Is their goal to inflict punishment? Only a loveless and hateful individual would seek to extract a toll in this manner. It is evident that an evil person values a wicked word more than their own soul.

If a lover cries and weeps for his love, tears are the natural expression of his emotions. Solitude befits him, as does wandering through plains and forests. When alone, his thoughts should revolve around how to renew his devotion. However, when a lover is in the world, he must conceal his love from prying eyes.

"**Prologue**"

1. "The Story of King Rostevan, The King of Arabs"
2. "King Rostevan and Avtandil Go Hunting"
3. "The King of the Arabs Sees the Knight in the Panther Skin"
4. "Tinatin Sends Avtandil to Look for the Knight"
5. "Avtandil's Letter to His Vassals"
6. "Avtandil Sets Forth in Quest of the Knight"
7. "Avtandil Tells His Story to Asmat"
8. "The Meeting of Tariel and Avtandil"
9. "Tariel Tells His Story to Avtandil"
10. "The Story of Tariel's Falling in Love"
11. "First Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Her Beloved"
12. "First Letter Written by Tariel to His Beloved"
13. "Tariel Writes a Letter and Sends a Man to the Khatavians"
14. "Nestan-Darejan Summons Tariel"
15. "The Letter by the King of the Khatavians to Tariel"
16. "Tariel's Tryst with Nestan-Darejan"
17. "Tariel's Departure for Khataeti and Great War"
18. "Tariel's Letter to the Indian King and His Triumphant Return"
19. "The Letter of Nestan-Darejan Written to Her Beloved"
20. "Tariel Laments and then Faints"
21. "Tariel's Letter in Answer to His Beloved"
22. "The Council Concerning Nestan-Darejan's Marriage"
23. "Tariel and Nestan-Darejan Discuss Her Marriage"
24. "The Arrival of the Bridegroom and His Slaying by Tariel"
25. "Tariel Hears Tidings of the Disappearance of Nestan-Darejan"
26. "Nuradin-Phridon's Story"
27. "Tariel's Aid to Phridon"
28. "Phridon Tells Tariel Tidings of Nestan-Darejan"
29. "The Story of Avtandil's Return to Arabia"
30. "Avtandil's Request to the King and the Vizier's Entreaty"
31. "Avtandil's Discourse with Shermadin"
32. "The Testament of Avtandil for King Rostevan Before He Secretly Left"
33. "Avtandil's Prayer"
34. "King Rostevan Hears of Avtandil's Secret Flight"
35. "Avtandil's Second Departure to Meet Tariel"
36. "Avtandil Finds Tariel"
37. "Tariel Tells How He Killed a Panther and a Lion"
38. "Tariel and Avtandil Return to the Cave and See Asmat"
39. "Avtandil Goes to See Phridon"
40. "Avtandil Comes to Phridon's After He Parted from Tariel"
41. "Avtandil Goes to Seek Nestan-Darejan and Meets a Caravan"
42. "The Story of Avtandil's Arrival in Gulansharo"
43. "Patman Becomes Enamoured of Avtandil"
44. "Patman's Letter of Love to Avtandil"
45. "Avtandil's Letter in Response to Patman"
46. "Patman Tells Avtandil the Story of Nestan-Darejan"
47. "The Story of the Capture of Nestan-Darejan by the Kajis"
48. "The Letter Written by Patman to Nestan-Darejan"
49. "The Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Patman"
50. "The Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Her Beloved"
51. "Avtandil's Letter to Phridon"
52. "Avtandil's Departure from Gulansharo and Meeting with Tariel"
53. "Tariel and Avtandil Go to Phridon"
54. "Phridon's Counsel"
55. "Avtandil's Counsel"
56. "Tariel's Counsel"
57. "Tariel's Visit to the King of the Seas"
58. "The Wedding of Tariel and Nestan-Darejan Held by Phridon"
59. "The Three Knights Go to the Cave and Then to Arabia"
60. "The Wedding of Avtandil and Tinatin by the King of the Arabs"
61. "Tariel Learns of the Death of the King of India"
62. "Tariel's Arrival in India and the Defeat of the Khatavians"
63. "The Wedding of Tariel and Nestan-Darejan"

"Epilogue"