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Title of the article: The Bohemian legend of the origin of the state in the medieval chronicles
Author(s): MELNIKOV G. P.
Section: History and Culture of Slavic World
Year: 2014
Issue: № 2 (32)
Pages: 9-31
Index UDK: 433.9
Index BBK: 63.3
Abstract: Czech early medieval legend about the origin of the state which was formed as the result of the demands of the Czech tribe to establish princely power, and was realized through the marriage of prophetess Libuse and plowman Přemysla, had a very important influence on Czech culture and social consciousness. It was one of the major national historical legends of Czechs throughout the Middle Ages and it influenced the formation of the Czech identity. The comparison of the texts of the legend from various chronicles of XI-XVI centuries shows the updating of the legend through the details and shades of meaning, that was due to historical events, while maintaining its basic meaning. It is the idea of God’s chosen right of the ruling dynasty of Přemyslids, the duality of the state and the church in the Czech public consciousness, democracy (a plowman becomes the prince), the proximity of sovereignty to the common people, and patriotism.
Keywords: CZECH REPUBLIC, STATEHOOD, THE LEGEND, THE MIDDLE AGES, CHRONICLES, SOCIAL THOUGHT, PATRIOTISM
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