Lecture: "The New Original of the Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sasun) Epic: Principles of Creation and Addressee"

An interesting lecture on the process of compiling a new collection of tales from the Armenian epic Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sasun) — including stories such as Sasna Tun, Kajants Tun, Jojants Tun, David and Mher, and David of Sasun, or Mher’s Door — took place on May 22 in the reading room of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, as part of the monthly Folkloristic Discussions series. Epic scholar Hayk Hambardzumyan presented the guiding principles behind the new compilation, highlighting both the strengths and shortcomings of the work he has undertaken. The new collection is based on approximately 90 tales published to date, as well as materials from earlier editions: the first collection edited by Joseph Orbeli (Yerevan, 1939), the “Sasunian” version compiled by Tigran Chituni (Paris, 1943), and the most recent version prepared by Grigor Grigoryan and his colleagues (Yerevan, 1993). The lecture concluded with a lively and productive discussion, featuring a rich exchange of opinions and perspectives.