Dedication
Avtandil’s Quest is written out of respect for those who keep the old culture of Georgia, home of the Caucasus Mountains and a people unlike any other.
Most importantly, this work is dedicated to Ana, because without her, this book would never have been possible.
Sweetheart, I love you. I will carry your burden.
Sakvarelo, Mikvarkhar. Genacvale.
GEORGIAN SOUL
H. J. Buell
The day’s last sun has long since set
We count each star, our lips unmet
By the palest light, we make wine
I and this Georgian girl of mine
Lost in endless mountains and sky
I know I’m home, but can’t say why
My heart blooms, though I dare not ask
How love ensnared my soul so fast
Nowhere else have I felt so much
I’m afraid, though we’ve yet to touch
I’d try to run, for it’s too soon
Yet I’m caught by this Georgian moon
Sakvarelo, as she draws near
Mikvarkhar, whispered in my ear
Genacvale, here I will stay
Where I found love a poet’s way
Preface
Avtandil’s Quest is a faithful adaptation of the first part of the original Knight in the Panther Skin poem, composed by Shota Rustaveli in 12th century Georgia. It is tale of the unknown and unseen, and of what exists in this world that few people see or experience.
Although little is known about Shota, the poem’s prologue indicates it was written to praise the first female ruler of Georgia - Tamar Mepe (King Tamar). Some believe Shota was in love with her, as his writings allude to this. But, like all great works, the original is not without controversy or debate.
To this day, his writing is a pillar of Georgian culture. It stands alone as the most significant literary accomplishment of Georgia. The original poem is written in Rustavelian Quatrains, consisting of four sixteen syllable rhyming lines. In total, the poem comprises 1,662 of these, totaling 6,648 lines. Each year in Georgia, there are people who recite the entirety of these verses from memory at annual events.
We’ve done our best to accurately capture the spirit and meaning of the story. However, cultural, and linguistic barriers limit the ability of anyone to fully express the true beauty of this text in anything other than its original Georgian form. However, what you read in this book is the most honest and accurate adaptation of Shota’s poem as an English literary novel.
For additional resources, comments, and information about the country and traditions, please leave a comment.