King Zara Yaqob and the Development of Ethiopian Literature

Literature in Medieval Ethiopia

Scientific Study , 2019 , 59 Pages

Literature - Africa

This research article attempts to uncover the literary activity in the 15th century Ethiopia. The general purpose of the study is surveying literary development in the period of Emperor Zara Yaqob, and specifically pays focus on the personal efforts and contributions of the King himself in the growth of literature in his reign. It also intends to endorse whether these texts qualify in literary features. Almost no researches are conducted on Zara Yaqob and his literary contribution, this fact is taken as inspirational point to do the study. Qualitative research method is applied, for the study is done on a text.

The Emperor has collected men of letter and scholars in the court yard and highly encouraged them to have a huge engagement in literary activities. These scholars, like Abba Giorgis of Gassecca, wrote numerous books which are religious but have great literary value and qualities. The King has written more than ten books; most of them have religious thematic preoccupation but also have secular subjects. These are: Matsehafä Berhan; Matsehafä Milad; Egziabher Nagsä; Sebhatä Fequr; Matsehafä Sellassie; Matsehafä Bahrey; Tä’aqebo Mestir; Tomarä Tesebe’it; Kehedatä Säytan; Darsanä Malaekt; Ra’eyä Ta’amer; Melke’a Gubae, and Mangadä Samay.

These texts are investigated out in content and literary value. In addition, he has produced hymns which are prepared in poetic form, and the lines are rhymed as rhymeisthemostfamiliarelementofpoetry; the hymns are constructed in end rhyme. In his hymns, figurative speeches especially simile and metaphor are well applied. The researcher has long realized potential value of the literary productions in the period of Zara Yaqob as source for the study of Ethiopian literature and history. The works are very important to study social, economic, historical, religious, and the political history of Ethiopia in addition to their literary values.

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Unit One: Introduction
• 1.1 Background of the Study
• 1.2 Statement of the Problem
• 1.3 Objectives
• 1.3.1 General Objective
• 1.3.2 Specific Objectives
• 1.4 Significance
• 1.5 Methodology
• 1.5.1 Sources of data
• 1.5.2 Method of Analysis
• Unit Two: Literature Review
• 2.1 Conceptual framework
• 2.1.1 Ethiopian Literature
• 2.2 Major Genres of Geez Literature
• 2.2.1 Hagiographies
• 2.2.2 Dersan(at)/Homily
• 2.2.3 Mälke'a Mälkə' or Mälkǝ'
• 2.2.4 Tä'ammǝr(ät)
• 2.2.5 Qǝne
• 2.2.6 Other Theological Genres
• 2.2.7 Amharic Literature
• 2.3 Related Works
• Chapter Three: The Contribution of King Zara Yaqob in Literature
• 3.1 Preliminary
• 3.1.1 Biographical Accounts
• 3.1.2 Zara Yaqob as a Religious Reformer
• 3.1.3 The Mariology of Zara Yaqob
• 3.1.4 Major Features in the Reign
• 3.2 The Development of Literature
• 3.2.1 The Golden Age
• 3.2.2 Prominent Figures and Works
• 3.2.3 Personal Endeavor for Literary Development
• 3.3 Literary Works of Zara Yaqob
• 3.3.1 Survey on the Works of Zara Yaqob
• 3.4 Merits of the Literatures
• Chapter Four: Conclusion and Recommendations
• 4.1 Conclusion
• 4.2 Recommendations

Objectives and Key Themes

This research aims to explore the literary landscape of 15th-century Ethiopia, focusing on the reign of Emperor Zara Yaqob and his personal contributions to literary development. It investigates whether the texts produced during this period meet established literary criteria. The study utilizes a qualitative research method, analyzing existing texts to assess their literary merit and significance within the broader context of Ethiopian history and culture.

• The literary output during the reign of Emperor Zara Yaqob.
• Emperor Zara Yaqob's personal involvement in fostering literary activities.
• The literary genres and styles prevalent in 15th-century Ethiopia.
• The religious and secular themes explored in the literature of the period.
• The assessment of literary merit and quality of works from this era.

Chapter Summaries

Unit One: Introduction: This introductory unit sets the stage for the research by providing background information on the study, outlining the problem being addressed, and stating the general and specific objectives. It details the significance of the research, explaining its contribution to the field of Ethiopian literary studies. The methodology is also described, specifying the sources of data and analytical methods employed. The unit establishes the context and framework for the subsequent chapters.

Unit Two: Literature Review: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing scholarship on Ethiopian literature, establishing a theoretical framework for the study. It explores major genres of Geez literature, such as hagiographies, homilies, and other theological genres, placing them within their historical and cultural contexts. The chapter also examines relevant works, positioning the current research within the existing body of knowledge on the subject. This section lays the groundwork for understanding the literary landscape into which Zara Yaqob's contributions are inserted.

Chapter Three: The Contribution of King Zara Yaqob in Literature: This chapter delves into the significant role of King Zara Yaqob in shaping the literary landscape of 15th-century Ethiopia. It begins with a biographical overview, exploring his life and reign, and his role as a religious reformer. The chapter subsequently analyzes the flourishing of literature during his reign, examining its prominent figures and works. A key element is the discussion of Zara Yaqob's own literary contributions, including the analysis of his various works, their themes, styles and overall significance within Ethiopian literary history. The chapter assesses the lasting impact of his patronage and personal writings, establishing their place in the "Golden Age" of Ethiopian literature. This provides an in-depth exploration of his impact on literary development.

Keywords

King Zara Yaqob, Homily, Hymn, 'Golden Age', Ethiopic/Geez Literatures, Ethiopian Literature, Religious Reform, Medieval Ethiopia, Literary Development, Literary Genres.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this research?

This research explores the literary landscape of 15th-century Ethiopia, focusing on the reign of Emperor Zara Yaqob and his personal contributions to literary development. It investigates the literary merit of texts from this period and their significance within Ethiopian history and culture.

What are the key objectives of this study?

The study aims to examine the literary output during Zara Yaqob's reign, his personal involvement in literary activities, the prevalent literary genres and styles, the religious and secular themes explored, and ultimately, to assess the literary merit and quality of works from that era.

What methodology is used in this research?

The research employs a qualitative research method, analyzing existing texts to assess their literary merit and significance. It specifies sources of data and analytical methods used to achieve its objectives.

What are the main chapters and their contents?

The study is divided into four units/chapters. Unit One provides an introduction, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, significance, and methodology. Unit Two reviews existing literature on Ethiopian literature, focusing on major genres like hagiographies and homilies. Chapter Three delves into Zara Yaqob's contribution, including his biography, his role as a religious reformer, and analysis of his literary works. Finally, Chapter Four concludes the study with a summary and recommendations.

What are the major genres of Geez literature discussed?

The study discusses several major genres of Geez literature, including Hagiographies, Dersan(at)/Homily, Mälke'a Mälkə' or Mälkǝ', Tä'ammǝr(ät), Qǝne, and other Theological Genres. It also touches upon Amharic Literature.

What is the significance of Emperor Zara Yaqob's reign for Ethiopian literature?

The research investigates whether the reign of Emperor Zara Yaqob constituted a "Golden Age" for Ethiopian literature, analyzing his personal contributions and the overall literary flourishing during his time.

What kinds of themes are explored in the literature of the period?

The literature of the period explores both religious and secular themes, reflecting the cultural and historical context of 15th-century Ethiopia. Specific themes will be analyzed within the study.

What are the key words associated with this research?

Key words include: King Zara Yaqob, Homily, Hymn, 'Golden Age', Ethiopic/Geez Literatures, Ethiopian Literature, Religious Reform, Medieval Ethiopia, Literary Development, and Literary Genres.

What is the overall contribution of this research?

This research contributes to the field of Ethiopian literary studies by providing a detailed analysis of the literary landscape of the 15th century, focusing on the significant contributions of Emperor Zara Yaqob and assessing the literary merit of works from this era.

• Author: Dawit Girma (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 59
• Catalog Number: V498932
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346036629
• ISBN (Book): 9783346036636
• Language: English
• Tags: king, zara, yaqob, development, ethiopian, literature, medieval, ethiopia