Aretousa

History

The poem “Erotókritos” by Vincenzos Kornaros describes the love between princess Aretoúsa, daughter of the king of Athens, and Erotókritos, the adopted son of the king; a love socially forbidden. The king discovers this love and banishes Erotókrito in exile and at the sea. Nonetheless, Erotókritos, after years returns powerful and unrecognizable to the kingdom, and runs to the king’s help at the face of war. He, as a handsome and courageous lad, finally succeeds to unite with Aretoúsa.                                                                                                             

This long narrative poem extends in ten thousand lyrics, structured in almost 15 syllables each. The deep lyricism, the lively language, the power of description, the rough profiling of heroes and excellent picturing of psychological states, as well as the climax in dramatic conflicts within the intense element of naturalism, ascribe the work with a characteristic epic composition of great inspiration. The first edition of “Erotókritos” took place in Venice in the 17^th century. Since then, it was widely propagated and was favored so much by people, that even until some years ago, folk singers (Lyra and violin players) knew by heart-from an oral tradition- big parts of the poem, which they used to recite in big festivals and friendly meetings.