Davtak Kertog Armenian lyric poet of the 7th century Date of Birth: . Country: Armenia

1. Davtak Kertogh: The Seventh-Century Armenian Poet
2. Arrival at the Court of Jevanshir
3. "Elegy on the Death of the Great Prince Jevanshir"
4. Influence of Greek and Biblical Literature

Davtak Kertogh: The Seventh-Century Armenian Poet

Davtak Kertogh was a renowned Armenian poet of the seventh century. Historical evidence from Movses Kaghankatvatsi's "History of the Country of Albania" suggests that Kertogh traveled to Albania and resided at the court of Prince Jevanshir (630-670).

Arrival at the Court of Jevanshir

According to Kaghankatvatsi, Kertogh "came to the court many days ago and was staying there." This arrival marks an important moment in Kertogh's life, as it brought him into direct contact with the royal patronage that would shape his work.

"Elegy on the Death of the Great Prince Jevanshir"

Kertogh's most famous composition, an elegy written upon the death of Prince Jevanshir, stands as a testament to his poetic prowess. It consists of 36 acrostic lines, matching the number of letters in the Armenian alphabet. Embedded within this work are subtle allusions to the traditions of Greek art.

Influence of Greek and Biblical Literature

Kertogh's style in the elegy reveals his familiarity with Greek literature. The first two lines of the eighth stanza directly paraphrase the fifth verse of an Armenian translation of the 18th Psalm of David. This blending of classical and religious influences demonstrates Kertogh's range and sophistication as an artist.