The Traditions of Albanians and Their Portrait in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage
Teuta Vinca Kafexholli
Manjola Brahaj Halili
This study analyzes Albanian tradition from 1800 to 1900 in Lord Byron's poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, exploring its significance in the international recognition of Albanians and their culture and in the realm of literature in Lord Byron's work. Employing a literary and historical approach through Textual analysis combined with Comparativist methods, the analyses delve into the main themes that characterize and portray Albanians in the poem, such as the desire for freedom, honor, and hospitality. The tradition of Albanian hospitality, which is deeply ingrained in the nation's cultural fabric and remains an essential aspect of our identity, was an attractive feature for Byron. Likewise, Byron portrays Albanian women as emotional and radiant, suggesting a sense of beauty and resilience in their character; furthermore, he depicts the role and treatment of women within the family unit. This is an important finding related to Albanian culture and the role of women in it, as well as the emancipation of women. The main novelty of the study lies in the fact that it brings substantiated information about the traditions and the portrait of Albanians at that time, which has yet to be done in previous studies about Byron. The uniqueness and importance of this study are its findings, which shed light on Albanian culture and its people in the 19th century for readers worldwide.
Keywords:Albanians, Traditions, Pilgrimage, Hospitality, Romanticism, Culture, History, Religion
