Hayren

The Armenian hayren is a form of traditional Armenian poetry. Hayrens are typically composed of four lines with each of the four lines containing 15 syllables. Each line divides into two half-lines that consist of 7 and 8 syllables. Some of this structure has been lost in translation, and the poems are best appreciated in the Armenian language.[1] And many hayrens have not even been translated from Armenian to English. This form of poetry dates back to medieval Armenia and has been used by various poets and writers throughout history. The content of hayrens can vary, covering topics such as love, satire, or lessons in morality.[2]

Famous Writers

Nahapet Kuchak is known as the "father of Armenian hayrens." Nahapet Kuchak's poems often explore themes of love and nature. His works are considered classics in Armenian literature. Living in the 16th century, Kuchak lived in a time of political turmoil and a dark age for the Armenian arts. Kuchak's poetry was often seen as a bright light in this dark time, being simple, direct, witty, and lyrical.[3]

Frik is another prominent poet of the same period. Frik was known for his satirical and moral hayrens, in which he often criticized the clergy and the nobility.[3]

Hovhannes Shiraz was a 20th-century Armenian poet who wrote a wide range of poetic forms, including hayrens. His works often revolve around themes of love, patriotism, and Armenian history.[4]

Examples

Sometimes hayrens can be songs. This song, written by Kuchak, is called “Groong” (Crane). It is very well known and still sung today. The crane itself is an allegorical bird in Armenian culture; it is a kind and wise bird that brings hood tidings from the homeland[2]

“Where do you come from, crane?

I ache to hear your call,

To know you come from home.

Have you any news at all?


I bless your wings, your eyes.

My heart is torn in two.

The exile’s soul all sighs

Waiting for bits of news."


“You are the Light” is a poem written by Kouchak about love.[2]

You are the light, I am the eye.

Without light, the eye is dark.

You are the water, I, the fish.

Without water, the fish will die.


Throw back the fish in a new stream,

Somehow it lives, fights to survive.

But if we are parted, you and I,

Death is less evil, I’d choose to die."

References
  1. century., Nahapet Kʻuchʻak, active 16th (2019). Haryur u mek hayren = A hundred and one hayrens. ṚHH hrat. ISBN 978-9939-67-236-6. OCLC 1193194028.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. century., Nahapet Kʻuchʻak, active 16th (1984). Come sit beside me and listen to Koutchag : Medieval Armenian poems of Nahabed Kouchag. Ashod Press. OCLC 644013600.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Der, Der Hovanessian, Diana Margossian, Marzbed Hovanessian, Diana (1978). Anthology of Armenian poetry. Columbia Univ. Press. OCLC 488397027.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. "Hovhannes Shiraz (1915 -1984) | Centro Studi e Ricerche di Orientalistica". 2016-12-26. Archived from the original on 2016-12-26. Retrieved 2023-05-07.
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