Рилската

In 1969, 500 years passed since the event that gave rise to the creation of Vladislav Grammatik's Rila Tale. This peculiar tale is one of the few works of old Bulgarian literature that are distinguished by lasting artistic significance, valid for readers both in the past and today. Written nearly 500 years ago, it was read, copied, rewritten and distributed throughout the centuries of Turkish slavery. Later - from the Revival to the most recent times - scholars-specialists in our country and abroad dedicated numerous articles and studies to it. Long debates have been held about it and different, sometimes opposing opinions have been expressed, but it is little known to the wide circle of Bulgarian readers. The main reason is the absence of a contemporary assessment corresponding to its historical and artistic significance. The 500th anniversary of the event that gave birth to the tale is a good occasion for such an assessment.