Political Functions of Slovene National Mythological Heroes with Regard to the Changing Socio-Political Circumstances and Needs

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Abstract: This article explores how the motif of an ordinary man who confronts a powerful antagonist endangering the community has been used to help achieve national political goals. In 1858, Slovenian writer Fran Levstik wrote the tale of Martin Krpan, a mighty hero who saves the Empire. The character was inspired by the folktale hero Peter Klepec, as well as the medieval knight Gašper Lambergar who saved the Holy Roman Emperor. In the twentieth century, writers retold the tale of Peter Klepec at significant historical moments—on the eve of the breakup of the Habsburg Empire and before and after World War II.