Video: Performance of the Armenian epic of 'Daredevils of Sassoun' or 'David of Sassoun'
A live recital of part of the Armenian epic poem, the "Daredevils of Sassoun."
“Daredevils of Sassoun,” or “David of Sassoun,” is one of Armenia’s most recognized epic poems. Despite its popular name, the hero David only stars in one part of this four-part epic. The whole story follows four generations of warriors as they defend their homeland, Sassoun, from Arab invaders at the height of the Muslim Conquests. For a traditionally devout, Christian nation like Armenia, with a history of oppression under the Ottoman Empire, the story is one that resounds on multiple levels, which may explain its enduring popularity. The poem is still performed today at festivals and major events such as weddings.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, features an excerpt of a live performance of the epic in its native Armenian. The full poem can take up to two hours to recite, but this shortened version conveys the lyrical delivery and deeply felt heritage that makes the “Daredevils of Sassoun” a piece of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
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