
Smrt Smail-age Čengića
The Death of Smail-aga Čengić is an epic poem in five cantos, written in 1846, based on a real historical event – the murder of the infamous Ottoman military leader Smail-aga Čengić. With an afterword by Antun Pavešković.
The work is a symbol of the struggle of oppressed peoples against tyranny, and is also the pinnacle of Croatian romantic epic.
1st canto – Agavanje: It depicts the cruelty of Smail-aga, who executes prisoners and forces local Christians to participate. In this way, the author emphasizes his tyranny and inhumanity. 2nd canto – Noćnik: Harambaša Mijo helps the hajduks and arranges a revenge plan with Osman Kulenović. 3rd canto – Četa: It describes the gathering of the hajduk company and preparations for the attack on Smail-aga. 4th canto – Harač: Smail-aga collects the tribute, once again showing his brutality and violence against the people. 5th canto – Kob: The attack and Smail-aga's death occur – justice is served, and the people are freed.
Mažuranić uses epic style, rich language and symbolism to express national and moral values: resistance to tyranny, courage, freedom and justice.
One copy is available