Caucasian legends by acclaimed Lithuanian author to be unveiled in Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is hosting a presentation of the first original translation of a collection of Caucasian folk legends by acclaimed 20th century Lithuanian prosaist Antanas Vienuolis later today.

Celebrating the author’s contribution to cultural ties between the two countries, the event will introduce the book — and with it, Vienuolis’ impressions of the region — to the public in the city.

Titled Cursed Monks, after one of the legends included in the work, the publication is a legacy of the writer (1882-1957) who travelled the Caucasus and lived in Georgia in the early 20th century, working at a pharmacy in Tbilisi.

The cover of the Georgian translation of ‘Cursed Monks’. Photo: Embassy of Lithuania to Georgia.

Previously translated into Georgian from Russian, the new edition marks original translation from Lithuanian by philologist Nana Devidze.

Devidze, a recipient of a Lithuanian state award for her contribution in promoting the country’s culture, spoke to a Georgian Public Broadcaster program about the book in the run-up to the presentation.

The translator said Vienuolis had been impressed by the mountainous landscape of Georgia — in stark contrast to mostly flat lands of his homeland — and inspired to explore and record local folk tales.

A release by event organisers from the Lithuanian Embassy to Georgia said Vienuolis’ legends about the natural beauty and life in Georgia later placed the country within the collective cultural awareness of Lithuanians.

This was notable in the inclusion of Cursed Monks in elementary school curriculum in Lithuania until recently.

The author was born Antanas Zukauskas to peasant parents in Lithuania, then part of the Russian Empire.

Vienuolis went on to write a range of works including novels and dramas.

The unveiling of the translation of his book comes in the year when both Georgia and Lithuania celebrate centenary of restoration of their independence.

The presentation of Cursed Monks is set to be hosted at Tbilisi’s Caucasian House centre and involve diplomats, dignitaries and authors alongside general public.