Here is the English translation:
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Chief Specialist, Teaching Process Management Office; Invited Lecturer
Field: Philology
Academic Status: Master's Degree Holder; Doctoral Candidate (PhD Student)
Tbilisi, Georgia
Abstract
Relevance, Purpose, and Methodology: The 6th-century anonymous hagiographic masterpiece, "The Martyrdom of the Youths of Kola," is a unique monument of Georgian literature, depicting the sacrificial feat of children. This research provides a comparative analysis of the original text and Sandro Mrevlishvili’s 1981 modernist tragedy. The relevance of the study lies in its exploration of intertextual depth, where the classical plot is reimagined through the lens of Georgia’s historical destiny and personal moral choice. Transferring hagiographic narratives into modern dramatic language requires not only preserving the plot but also setting new artistic accents to help the audience perceive the spiritual and historical essence. The goal is to establish the relationship between the source and the play and to determine the functional weight of the dramaturgical interpretation. The study employs comparative, structural, and hermeneutic methods. Key Findings and Arguments: 1. Intertextuality and Literary Reminiscences: The play represents a multi-layered reworking of the martyrdom. The author masterfully integrates biblical verses and classical Georgian literary references: topographical allusions to "The Martyrdom of Shushanik," the symbolism of fate from "The Knight in the Panther's Skin," and metaphors of national hardship from David Guramishvili’s "Davitiani," along with poetic passages by Vazha-Pshavela and Nikoloz Baratashvili. The integration of folklore material adds exceptional expressiveness to the text. 2. Individualization of Characters and Social Background: The collective, faceless figures of the hagiography are replaced by characters with specific social statuses and names. Khvtiso the Blacksmith, Theodore the Miller, and Abo the Lame not only enrich the narrative fabric but also create the harsh social environment where the nine youths faced their fatal choice. Each character represents different layers of society, highlighting the complexity of Christian dissemination. 3. The Phenomenon of Anonymity and Symbolism: Leaving certain protagonists nameless is a conscious tool to show the timelessness of the sacrifice and the eternal relevance of the manipulators. Evil has no geographical home; it is "Sakajeti," taking new forms in every era. The study also analyzes the etymology of the guardian peasants: Luka (Light), Khvtiso (Devoted to God), and Theodore (Gift of God), indicating their spiritual functions. 4. Ethical Differentiation: The "Vagabond Sage" is a generalized image of evil, whose nihilism exposes the problem of moral indifference. Through the hierarchs, the author portrays a country where choices are driven by political opportunism. The Priest's tragic ethics represent a symbolic repetition of the Judas-like act, born of despair. Conclusion: The research confirms that Mrevlishvili’s play is a high-value artistic reinterpretation. Similar to Vasil Barnov’s modernist style, the author transforms the 6th-century account into an existential tragedy, reviving Georgia’s historical fate. The paper reveals that Christianity is presented not as fanatical obedience, but as intellectual vigilance against political ambition. Mrevlishvili’s vision proves that the country's existence depends on constant moral responsibility. Ultimately, the dramatic format allows for a monumental reflection on the existential choice made by the nine youths of Kola.
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