Hovhannes Tumanyan’s Unfinished Drama “Artavazd”: Motives for Writing and Possible Course of Events
Hovhannes Tumanyan’s Unfinished Drama “Artavazd”: Motives for Writing and Possible Course of Events
Boyajyan Astghik
Summary
Key words: Movses Khorenatsi, literary interpretations, Vernatun, folklore analysis
Hovhannes Tumanyan’s unfinished drama ”Artavazd” was created on the basis of ancient Armenian myths and intended as a major national tragedy. In the work, Tumanyan sought to portray King Artavazd as a strong yet conflicted figure, whose destiny is shaped by pride, the pursuit of power, and historical fate.
Through this mythological narrative, the author aimed to explore deeper themes, including the struggle of individuals against destiny, the quest of people for freedom, and the cultivation of national consciousness. The drama combines historical, folkloric, and philosophical elements, drawing on literary sources such as Movses Khorenatsi and other early Armenian texts.
Although the drama remains incomplete due to complex historical circumstances, Tumanyan’s creative explorations, and his untimely death, Artavazd holds a significant place in Armenian literature. It illustrates the author’s effort to craft a dramatic work of profound ideological and national importance. Moreover, the text provides a foundation for literary interpretations and reconstructions of potential plot developments, allowing scholars to analyze character motives and the possible course of events based on folklore and historical traditions.