History Literature / SerbianEpicPoetry

Serbian epic poetry is divided into several cycles:

* CoolHorse: Rather common, but special mentions go to Duke Momčilo's [[{{Pegasus}} Jabuchilo]], and Kraljević Marko's Šarac, who used to drink wine with his master.

* BadassMoustache: One of Kraljević Marko's more iconic traits.

* WorldOfBadass

Serbian epic poetry is [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin a form of epic poetry written by Serbs]] originating in today's {{UsefulNotes/Serbia}}, {{UsefulNotes/Montenegro}}, [[{{UsefulNotes/Bosnia}} Bosnia and Herzegovina]], {{UsefulNotes/Croatia}} and {{UsefulNotes/Macedonia}}. The main cycles were composed by unknown artists between 14th and 19th century (although some of the later poems are commonly attributed to [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filip_Vi%C5%A1nji%C4%87 Filip Višnjic]]). They are mostly concerned with historical events and personages, though with [[VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory varying degree of accuracy]]. The performers usually played [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gusle gusle]] (a single-stringed musical instrument) while playing.

* CombatPragmatist: Marko Kraljević might be the most {{Badass}} character in these poems, but in ''Marko Kraljević and Musa Kesedžija'' he isn't above using help of his FairyGodmother and a hidden knife to get himself out of a pinch.

* NonIndicativeName: Mali Radojica and Dijete Grujica mean 'Little Radojica' and 'Child Grujica', respectively, and they are both {{Badass}} hajduks.

* Cycle of Kraljević Marko - a cycle about of adventures of titular character. While not very important historically, the poetry turned him into a ChuckNorris level MemeticBadass. These poems cover a very long time span (Marko was said to be [[Really700YearsOld several hundred years old]] in the poem ''Death of Kraljević Marko''), and are action-oriented and over-the top.

* CoolHorse: Rather common, but special mentions go to Duke Momčilo's [[{{Pegasus}} Jabuchilo]], and Kraljević Marko's Šarac, who used to drink wine with his master.

The majority of these poems are saved thanks to efforts of linguist and philologist {{Creator/VukKaradžić}}, who took the time to collect them and publish them in several tomes.

* Non-hystoric cycle - this one is mostly concerned with Myth/SlavicMythology.

* Cycle of Hajduks - deals with hajduks (a term for outlaws that got romanticized into [[LaResistance freedom fighters]] due to them attacking Turks, who were the rich at the point). Notable characters include Stari Vujadin, Deli Radivoje and Mali Radojica.
* Cycles of uskoks - uskoks (meaning ''ones who jumped in'') were irregular army of the Habsburg Empire, who lived in the Austrian territory but occasionally crossed Turkish border and engaged guerrila warfare.

The majority of these poems are saved thanks to efforts of linguist and philologist Vuk Karadžić, who took the time to collect them and publish them in several tomes.

* CoolHorse: Rather common, but special mentions go to Duke Momčilo's [[{{Pegasus}} Jabučilo]], and Kraljević Marko's Šarac, who used to drink wine with his master.

Serbian epic poetry is [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin a form of epic poetry written by Serbs]] originating in today's {{Serbia}},{{Montenegro}}, Bosnia and Herzegovina, {{Croatia}} and {{Macedonia}}. The main cycles were composed by unknown artists between 14th and 19th century (although some of the later poems are commonly attributed to [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filip_Vi%C5%A1nji%C4%87 Filip Višnjic]]). They are mostly concerned with historical events and personages, though with [[VeryLooselyBasedOnATrueStory varying degree of accuracy]]. The performers usually played [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gusle gusle]] (a single-stringed musical instrument) while playing.

* Kosovo cycle - this cycle covers poems that take place immediately before and after battle of Kosovo, but no poem deals with the battle itself (outside of [[{{Flashback}} flashbacks]]. The battle of Kosovo took place in 1389 and crushed the last hopes of a strong Serbian country. Thus, this cycle is [[DarkerAndEdgier darker and more tragic in tone]] compared to its precursors.

The majority of these poems are saved thanks to efforts of linguist and philologist Vuk Karadžić, who took the time to colect them and publish them in several tomes.

* BigEater: Marko Kraljević can consume unhelthy ammount of food. [[TheAlcoholic And alcohol]].

* CombatPragmatist: Marko Kraljević might be the most Badass character in these poems, but in ''Marko Kraljević and Musa Kesedžija'' he isn't above using help of his FairyGodmother and a hidden knife to get himself out of a pinch.
* CoolHorse: Rather common, but special mentions go to Duke Momčilo's [[{{Pegasus winged horse}}]] Jabučilo, and Kraljević Marko's Šarac, who used to drink wine with his master.

* NonIndicativeName: Mali Radojica and Dijete Grujica mean 'Little Radojica' and 'Child Grujica', respectively, and they are both Badass hajduks.

* Non-hystoric cycle - this one is mostly concerned with SlavicMythology.

* Kosovo cycle - this cycle covers poems that take place immediately before and after battle of Kosovo, but no poem deals with the battle itself (outside of [[Flashback flashbacks]]. The battle of Kosovo took place in 1389 and crushed the last hopes of a strong Serbian country. Thus, this cycle is [[DarkerAndEdgier darker and more tragic in tone]] compared to its precursors.