The Intertext of the Knight in the Panther Skin in Vakhtang Orbeliani’s Writings

Abstract

The text provides a comprehensive analysis of the poetic legacy of Vakhtang Orbeliani, emphasizing the biographical, historical, and cultural factors that shaped his literary worldview. It highlights Orbeliani’s upbringing in the royal Georgian environment, where intellectual refinement and national consciousness played a crucial role in the formation of his personality. The study examines the poet’s profound sentiment toward Georgia’s glorious past, which served not only as a source of romantic inspiration but also as the foundation of his belief in the nation’s future revival. A central theme of the text is Orbeliani’s deep admiration for Shota Rustaveli. His poetic manner, aesthetic ideals, and national vision are notably influenced by The Knight in the Panther’s Skin, which he viewed as an eternal “lamp” guiding the Georgian people. The analysis also explores Orbeliani’s engagement with European romanticism, his interpretation of the spiritual essence of love, and his portrayal of the Georgian woman as a cultural and moral archetype. Special attention is given to Orbeliani’s lyrical poem “Orphan”, which offers a romanticized and symbolic rendering of Rustaveli’s life and inspiration. Overall, the text presents Orbeliani’s oeuvre as a synthesis of national identity, historical memory, and the enduring influence of Rustaveli’s aesthetic and moral ideals.