KRALj MILUTIN U SINAKSARSKOM ŽITIJU DANILA TREĆEG

Abstract

The paper points to differences in the depiction of the character of the Holy King Milutin within the genre of hagiography, especially in the works by Danilo II of Pec, who succeeded Danilo I, and Danilo III of Banja, and in the selection of stylistic devices serving the purpose of his characterisation. To this end, the author focuses on The Short Hagiography of King Milutin by Danilo III and its literary significance. In the process of characterisation of King Milutin, Danilo III is primarily interested in his charity work, in order for the 'unifying' element of his enterprise to be highlighted. With regard to this, the author points to sources of some Biblical quoatations used throughout the text and their being embedded in the idea of the work as a whole and shows that the abundance of figures of speech represents the foundation of hyperbolisation of the celebrated. This abundance of literary devices, especially the figure of diction and that of trope, along with the clearly expressed idea of an all-expanding and all-permeating love towards Orthodox Christians, which King Milutin shows by giving charity, both classifies Danilo III as one of the greatest literary figures of Medieval Serbian Literature and reveals his education. In his literary interpretation, much as in his clerical service, Danilo III created a halo for King Milutin.