Chapter 29

The secret of Bearslayer's strength is revealed

The springtime came and, once again, Clothed hills and valleys all in green; And wakened nature's creatures then, That frisky gambolling could be seen. Within our Fatherland it seemed That warlike times had safely passed. All stayed at home because they deemed That springtime work should start at last.

They fixed the plough and beat the share, Worked hard each fence and yard to mend.- And even Kangars sought fresh air, And worked his garden beds to tend. He cut off branches, stakes drove in, To help the plants there healthy grow. His face looked sullen now, and thin, And let despairing feelings show.

The seed sown in his Fatherland, As everywhere, so with him too, Had borne a bitter fruit unplanned, And disappointment now he knew. The people no more came in need, As once in droves to him they poured; The Strangers took of him no heed.- But something else within him gnawed:

Bearslayer lived unharmed, and worse, Had lasting fame among the folk, And Spidala fled Satan's curse, When from his grasping claws she broke.

His future now was death, he knew, And all the torments that would give; Condemned he was, his last years through, With bitter heart each day to live. And so he scarcely felt more fear, When, as the sun was growing dim, He heard a voice, his garden near, In hollow tones that greeted him.

He raised his head, and at the gate, There cruel Dietrich came in view. Then Kangars spoke, these words to state: "I truly am amazed that you Should visit here, your presence show. Did growing fat on roasted meat Within stone castles tedious grow?" Then Dietrich thus could Kangars greet:

"The feasts I ate there did not pall; But soon of them will be no more, Unless your powers heed my call. If you will help, reward is sure."

He said it was the Bishop's will, New troops to Riga soon to lead, But all would be in vain while still Bearslayer all the Baltic freed, And stood against the German force. From Kangars aid they sought, to show Of bold Bearslayer's strength the source, So that a knight could lay him low.

Then Kangars gave this answer back: Ten times he had upon the Earth Loosed giants and his demon pack, But all had been of little worth. Bearslayer killed them all in fights, And had escaped each plot in turn. If now Bearslayer scythed down knights, That were to Kangars small concern.

But yet, another circumstance Led him to be the hero's foe- Though just what plan would have a chance Against the youth, he did not know. Hell's demons often served him well, Consulted, they might find a way. If in his hut were fit to dwell, Then Dietrich there some time could stay.

That night then Kangars all alone Tight shut himself within his room, That Dietrich, if he heard him groan, Would not know fear within the gloom. At midnight then a whirlwind's throes Shook hard the house from all around; Where Kangars dwelled loud groaning rose, And then was heard a screeching sound.

So horrible that, out of fear, On Dietrich's head stood up his hair; He crossed himself, such sounds to hear, And loud recited every prayer.- No pause to sleep by day or night, Long Kangars strove, help to invoke; The third day at the morning's light, These earnest words to Dietrich spoke:

"Accursed to all will be the day Bearslayer's secret was exposed; As traitors, curses too our pay. Here through our deeds, quite unopposed, The Evil One will soon be free To do at will each wicked deed. My guilty henchman, hark to me, To what I tell you pay good heed."

"A mother bear Bearslayer bore; The babe a holy hermit sired. His mother's line gave strength, but more- Through her the youth bear's ears acquired, And if opponents can prevail, And both his ears slice off with speed, His mighty power at once will fail. Enough! Go now. No thanks I need."

Bearslayer and the Black Knight fight to the death

The Bishop, Albert, now brought back A host of knights to fight anew. Among them was a knight in black, Who well the work of plundering knew. He claimed his mother was a witch Who guided him with magic charm, And he in devil's arts so rich, That never wound could cause him harm.

This Black Knight Dietrich chose, to fight And be his weapon in the fray, To beat Bearslayer's strength and might, And best him in a cunning way. He welcomed Kaupa too once more, To help them conquer with his sword, And in the name of God he swore, In Heaven all would find reward.

One day Bearslayer resting sat, Close by Laimdota in their hall, And idly talked of this and that. But over her now hung a pall; She was not happy as at first.- A time her thoughts she still concealed, Then in a trembling voice conversed, And with these words her plight revealed:

"Bearslayer, my beloved, speak, What can it mean that many a day, Against my wish, my mood is bleak, And in my heart cold fear holds sway? I am so happy, but I fear That something could disturb our joy, For reasons that I do not know, And soon perhaps our life destroy."

Before Bearslayer love had shown, To calm her sorrow had contrived, The keeper of the gate made known, That friendly riders had arrived, And asked if he might let them through.- On looking out the window then, Bearslayer at the gate could view, With Kaupa in their midst, strange men.

Bearslayer did not hesitate- He recognized great Kaupa clear- And said to open up the gate, As guests, with honour brought them near. Now Kaupa said that they were sent By Bishop Albert to make peace, And through the land as heralds went, That friendship strong might never cease.

Bearslayer never sought a war Unless the cause were justified. And so good will to Kaupa bore, And willing let him come inside. At Lielvarde they all stayed As honoured guests so long they would. And for them there Bearslayer made The best provision that he could.

But still Laimdota restless grew, The Black Knight near her could not bear, Although he sought to change her view With gracious words and flattery fair.

Bearslayer ordered contests held, And tournaments were staged at length. Then came a day when both had felled Opponents beaten by their strength. The Black Knight to Bearslayer spoke, And made a challenge to a fight. The youth refused him with a joke; He did not wish to give a slight.

The Knight, however, angry seemed, And answered in a mocking way: No test of strength for him he deemed, To beat Bearslayer in a fray, Despite the boasting he had heard! Bearslayer did not tarry more, But at the Knight without a word Swung hard the heavy sword he bore.

At first Bearslayer thought it sport, And jousted in light-hearted way; But, fighting fierce, the Black Knight brought Great strength and litheness to the fray. And suddenly in swift attack Bearslayer's ear clean off he slit. Enraged, Bearslayer struck him back; His blow the Knight's stout armour split.

The Black Knight's blood began to pour, But bold Bearslayer's sword had cracked. The Knight saw this, and struck once more- The other ear his slash clear hacked! Bearslayer's anger knew no bound: He seized the Black Knight in his grasp; Their deadly struggle shook the ground, As now they fought to their last gasp.

Three times Bearslayer seized him fast, And seemed the heavy Knight to beat. Three times he staggered at the last; The Knight broke free with kicking feet.

The watching men stood pale with fear, As though their feet were rooted deep, While to the edge the two came near, Right to the lofty cliff-top steep.

The Daugava takes Bearslayer to its bosom

His foe at last Bearslayer flung Into the river's depths to drown, But round with heavy armour hung, The Black Knight dragged Bearslayer down.

The waters made a cracking sound, The waves surged high and took the pair, And, in their fight together bound, Down in the depths they vanished there!

Into the Daugava's surging flood Now sank the setting sun's pale glow. A thick mist rose and dripped like blood; The waves sighed mournful down below.

The foaming waters parted wide, And took the hero to their breast. An island rose up in the tide, And in this place he sank to rest.

Within the castle fearful screams And cries of lamentation rose, And now Laimdota-dead her dreams- To end her life that moment chose.

The Latvian warriors, stricken sore, His kin and brethren, all in sum, Now, one by one, fell in the war, By stronger forces overcome.

The Strangers gained the upper hand, And ruled as lords, cruel and depraved: The well-loved people of the land, For centuries were all enslaved.

But still, though ages long pass by, The grieving folk his memory keeps.- For them, in death he does not lie, But in a golden palace sleeps.

Below the island risen there, He lies within the Daugava's breast, With Latvia's folk their fate to share, And close to Lielvarde rest.

From time to time, late in the night, The Daugava boatmen sometimes see Two men in combat on the height, In struggles that they cannot flee.

While in the castle ruins, clear, A little flame there flickers bright. The fighting men the edge come near, But take no heed, so hot their fight.

Until at last they cross the bounds, And deep into the depths they drop.- A scream within the castle sounds, The little flame's bright flickers stop.

It is Bearslayer struggling there The Strangers to eradicate.- But long Laimdota's watching stare Upon his triumph yet must wait.

But still, the day will come, is sure, When he the Black Knight will cast down: In Staburags's raging maw, His deadly foe alone will drown.

Then for the folk new times will dawn; At last their freedom will be born.

GLOSSARY OF PERSONAL AND PLACE NAMES

The entries in this section explain personal and place names for the purposes of the poem. I am not trying to give you a history or geography lesson! The material in square brackets after each Latvian word explains how I would like you to pronounce that word. This pronunciation is necessary for the metrical structure of the English-language poem, and may differ from standard Latvian pronunciation. I apologize for any offence that this causes. The syllable represented in the square brackets as "-a" should be pronounced as in "bad", the one represented as "-ah" as a long "bad". The syllable represented as "-e" should be pronounced as in "bed", "-o" as in "hot", "-oh" as in "throw,""oo" as in "zoo", "ow" as in "bough", "-u" as in "hut" and "uh" as in "book". Syllables in boldface should be stressed.

Aizkraukle [Eyes-krow-kle]: A Latvian stockade near the southern bank of the River Daugava, about 100 Km SE of Riga.

Aizkrauklis [Eyes-krow-kliss]: The Lord of Aizkraukle; father of Spidala.

Albert: The third Bishop of Uexküll (Latvian: Ikskile); sent by Pope Innocent III in 1199. He was the most effective in subjugating the Baltic people. He recruited the Sword Brothers (warrior monks and priests), who brought Christianity by force after diplo- macy and gifts failed.

All Souls Night: A night in October when the souls of the dear departed return to visit the living; comparable with Halloween.

Antrimps [Un-trimps}: The God of the Sea.

Austra [Ow-stru]: The Goddess of the Morning/the Dawn.

Azure Mountain: A sacred mountain where ancient writings were kept; meeting place of the folk at Midsummer.

Black Knight: A German knight brought to Latvia by Bishop Albert to kill Bearslayer.

Burtnieks [Buhrt-nee-eks]: A wise Latvian Lord; teacher of Bearslayer and father of Laimdota.

Crystal Palace: The home of Staburadze beneath the whirl- pool of Staburags.

Dabrels [Dubb-rells]: A Latvian Lord whose stockade was on the River Gauja near modern-day Sigulda. Across the river was Kaupa's stockade (Turaida).

Daniel [Dunn-yell]: The German knight who occupied Lielvarde (Bearslayer's home).

Daugava [Dow-g'vu]: The revered, almost sacred, principal river of Latvia. Its course lies mainly SE of Riga, but it flows into the sea to the west of Riga.

Destiny's Father: A pseudomythological figure invented by Pumpurs; the arbiter of human destiny-Fate.

Devil's Pit: A huge underground chamber dug under the River Daugava by the Devil.

Dietrich [Dee-trich]: A German priest who came to Latvia to prepare the way for Bishop Albert.

Dog-Snout Ogres: Mythological monsters in Latvian and Estonian folk tales.

Enchanted Isle: An island that draws ships to its shores. It is inhabited by the demon sons of the Old Witch (see Canto II).

Evil One (the): The Devil.

Fiend (the) The Devil (when capitalized; otherwise a demon).

Gauja [Gow-yu]: The largest river entirely within Latvia. Its course lies NE of Riga.

Henry: A Latvian who was educated in Germany and became a Christian priest in Latvia. He is remembered as "Henry of Livonia"

Holy Father: The Pope; Celestine III proclaimed the third Northern Crusade (the Baltic Crusade) in 1193; Innocent III succeeded Celestine, and appointed Bishop Albert in 1198.

Ikskile [Eeks-chill-e]: A Livian town on the northern bank of the Daugava, SE of Riga; the Germans had already built a fort there before the arrival of Albert.

Kalapuisis [Kull-u-poo-iss-iss]: A gigantic Estonian warrior; more or less the Estonian equivalent of Bearslayer.

Kangars [Kun-gars]: A Latvian holy man who had secretly made a pact with the Devil.

Kaupa [Cow-pu]: A great Latvian Lord whose stockade was at Turaida on the Gauja.

Kingdom of Dreams: A land in the east where sky and earth meet and the gates of Heaven and Hell are found. It is the home of the Sons of the Gods and the Daughters of the Sun.

Koknesis [Kwock-ness-is]: A mighty youth who lived near the River Perse; Bearslayer's close friend.

kokle [kwock-le]: Traditional Latvian musical instrument - something like a zither.

Kegums [Chag-ums]: A town on the Daugava about 50 Km. SE of Riga.

Laima [Lye-mu]: The Goddess of Destiny/of Happiness.

Laimdota [Lime-dwo-tu]: The beautiful, virtuous, learned and wise daughter of Burtnieks.

Lake Peipus [Pay-puss]: A large lake along the border between Estonia and Russia

Latvian Lords: Latvian chieftains or clan (family) heads who lived in stockades (castles) behind wooden palisades on higher ground along the tributaries of the major rivers.

Lielvarde [Lee-ell-var-de]: A Latvian stronghold on the northern bank of the Daugava, about 55 Km. SE of Riga; home of Bearslayer and his foster father, Lielvardis.

Lielvardis [Lee-ell-var-diss]: The Latvian Lord of Lielvarde; foster father of Bearslayer.

Liga [Lee-gu]: The Goddess of Song.

Ligo [Lee-gwu]: Sing! (midsummer songs).

Ligusoni Priests [Lee-gu-swon-yee]: People selected to lead the (pagan) midsummer rites at the Azure Mountain.

Livian lands: The lands of the Livs: In Western Latvia, and thus the first area occupied by the Germans.

Livs: A Finnic (i.e., non-Latvian) people who lived along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and the Daugava estuary.

Lucifer: The Devil.

Midsummer's Eve: A traditional, extremely important, still-celebrated Latvian folk festival-Jani.

Nine-Headed Demon: A son of the Old Witch. He lived on the En- chanted Isle and was killed by Bearslayer.

North Wind's Daughter: The daughter of Ziemelis, the North Wind.

Northern Sea: The bitterly cold, stormy sea at the top of the world. The domain of Ziemelis.

Pakols [Pu-kwolls]: The God of Death.

Patrimps [Pu-trimps}: The God of Fertility and Wealth.

Perkons [Pah-kwons]: The God of Thunder; a strong supporter of the Latvian people.

Perse [Pair-se]: A river (and waterfall) that flows into the Daugava near Aizkraukle, about 100 Km. SE of Riga.

Puškaitis [Push-kye-tiss]: A pseudomythological figure invented by writers in the nineteenth century; often depicted as the God of Trees.

Riga's Bishop: Bishop Albert

Romove [Roo-oh-mwo-vu]: A town located near the site of modern-day Vilnius in Lithuania; sacred to all three Baltic peoples (Latvians, Lithuanians, Prussians).

Rusinš [Roo-sinsh]: A Latvian warrior treacherously killed by a crossbow bolt at the start of the battle for Dabrels's stockade.

Sacred copse: A sacred grove of trees on the Azure Mountain.

Salaspils [Su-luss-pills]: A town on the Daugava where the Germans had already built a castle prior to the arrival of Albert.

Saulite [Sow-lee-tu]: The Sun-Goddess, wife of the Moon. At Midsummer she wore a headdress of red blossoms and danced on the hilltops in silver shoes. To honour her, at Midsummer human women wore similar braided wreaths in their hair, and walked through the fields singing songs to her- see "Ligo".

Sereniete [(Se-re-nee-e-te]: A witch, who assisted Spidala to throw Bear- slayer down into the whirlpool of Staburags.

Six-Headed Demon: A son of the Old Witch. He lived on the Enchanted Isle and was killed by Bearslayer.

Spidala [Spee-du-lu]: The beautiful daughter of Aizkrauklis. She was a witch who had entered into a pact with the Devil, but escaped with Bearslayer's help.

Staburadze [Stu-boo-rud-zu]: A goddess who lives in a Crystal Palace beneath the whirlpool of Staburags.

Staburadze's glass: A mirror given to Bearslayer by the Goddess Staburadze. Evildoers who look into it see the face of Perkons, and are frozen with terror.

Staburadze's maidens: Beautiful and especially virtuous young women, who live for a time with Staburadze to be educated.

Staburags [Stu-boo-rugs]: A high cliff above the River Daugava with a whirlpool at its foot.

Strangers The German knights sent to christianize Latvia , especially those sent by Innocent III under the leadership of Albert.

Talvaldis [Tarl-vull-diss]: A Latvian leader; second-in-command to Bearslayer (although hardly mentioned in the poem).

Three-Headed Demon: A son of the Old Witch. He lived on the Enchanted Isle and was killed by Bearslayer.

Tikla [Tick-lu]: The Goddess of Virtue.

Turaida [Too-rye-du]: A Latvian stronghold on the River Gauja NE of Riga, where Kaupa was the Latvian Lord; across the river from Dabrels's stockade.

Uzinš [Oo-zinysh]: The God ("patron saint") of Bees (and Horses).

Vaidelots [Vye-de-lwots]: The Messenger of the Gods, who brings news from them (from Romove) to mortals.

Viduveds [Vid-oo-vads]: A man of legendary wisdom, who lived in the sixth century; also known in Prussian legends.

Witch (Old Witch): A crone who had authority over the younger witches in the Devil's Pit. She was the mother of the Three-, Six- and Nine-Headed Demons on the Enchanted Isle.

Ziemelis [Zee-em-ell-is]: The North Wind; hostile to human beings.

Zunda [Zuhn-da]: Narrow straits between the Estonian island of Saaremaa and the Kurzeme Peninsula (i.e., on the Estonia-Latvia border).