Lachplesis

Bas-relief of Lacplesis at the Freedom Monument in Riga

Memorial stone in honor of the victory over Bermondt’s troops

“Lačplēsis” ( Latvian: Lāčplēsis , in translation - tearing a bear) is a Latvian heroic epic , recreated by Andrei Pumpur on the basis of folk traditions and published, after 15 years of work, in 1888 . The image of the protagonist of the epic, Lachplesis, personifies the greatness of the people, their heroism. It symbolizes the courage of a man cleansing the earth from invaders.

On November 11, Latvia celebrates the national holiday Lachplesis Day , the day of remembrance of the heroes who fell for the liberation of Latvia. In 1919, on this day, Latvia repelled the attack of the troops of Bermondt-Avalov , advancing on Riga, and on the same day the highest military award of Latvia - the military order of Lacplesis was established .

Based on the original text of Pumpur, a number of other works were created: from the drama by Jan Rainis “Fire and Night” (1905) to the rock opera “ Lachplesis ” ( 1988 , the libretto of Mary Zalite , music by Sigmars Liepins ).

In Latvia, a number of consumer goods bears the name Lachplesis - for example, Lachplesis beer ^[1] .

In Jurmala , near the Maiori railway station, a monument to Lachplesis with a raised sword chopping up a dragon was erected. Initially, it was a fountain : a stream of water from a dragon’s mouth hit the shield of Lacplesis, and large toads sat in a circle, from which streams of water also flowed at the hero’s feet.