Judita

Judith is the most famous work of Marko Marulić and one of the fundamental works of Croatian literature. This epic poem, written in Croatian in six cantos, is based on the biblical story of Judith, a brave and pious widow who decides to save her people from ruin.

The plot is set at a time when the Assyrian military leader Holofernes is besieging the city of Bethulia. The inhabitants are exhausted by hunger, fear and hopelessness and are ready to surrender to the enemy. At that moment, Judith, a woman of exceptional faith, purity and determination, steps forward. After prayer and internal preparation, she solemnly dresses up and goes to the enemy camp, where she wins Holofernes' trust with her beauty and dignity.

When Holofernes gets drunk and falls asleep at a feast, Judith seizes the opportunity and cuts off his head. A maid helps her escape the camp unnoticed. Upon returning to Bethulia, he shows the people the killing of their defeated enemy, which causes panic among the Assyrians and brings liberation to the city.

The work celebrates faith, courage and patriotism, and through the character of Judith, Marulić highlights the strength of women as bearers of moral and spiritual victory. Judith is not only a biblical adaptation, but also a strong message about resistance, hope and the defense of the community in difficult times.