Who is This Lāčplēsis?
In Latvia, when someone displays exceptional bravery and accomplishes great feats, they might be called “Lāčplēsis”. In direct translation, Lācplēsis means someone who tears bears apart or a bear slayer. However, the word holds a much deeper significance. You may have noticed Lāčplēša Street in Riga, Liepāja, or any of the other more than 30 Lāčplēša ielas found all around Latvia. Lāčplēsis is also depicted in the Monument of Freedom. And if you didn't know yet, on November 11th, Latvians celebrate Lāčplēša diena - the Day of Lācplēsis.
Source: redzet.eu
Many visitors often wonder, who is this “Lāčplēsis”? Is he a historical hero? Our ex-president? Some even ask, do Latvians tear bears apart? None of the above. Let me explain who he truly is and why you can find his name and statues all over Latvia.
Source: Philaweb
"Lāčplēsis" is a symbolic Latvian character deeply ingrained in the country's literature and culture. Some say his original name was not Lāčplēsis, but Lāčausis (Bear ears). There are several interpretations of this myth - some stories tell that he is the son of a bear and a human and has bear ears and strength and the human body. And with this strength, he has ripped other bears apart. But as with all folk tales, it is hard to distinguish the original source and story.
One of the most prominent works depicting Lāčplēsis is Andrejs Pumpurs' epic poem "Lāčplēsis." In this epic poem a baby is found in the forest by the side of a mother bear and when he grows up bearing the name "Lāčplēsis" he battles the Black Knight, ultimately flinging the Dark Knight into the Daugava River. However, Lāčplēsis himself falls into the river. The poem ends with a promise that the fight between Lāčplēsis and the Dark Knight is not yet over; one day, Lāčplēsis will triumph, and Latvians will become free again. The poem was written in the late 19th century when the aspiration to establish a national country was genuine.
Lāčplēsis is based on a Latvian folklore character, symbolizing the fight against evil. In instances of extraordinary bravery, Latvians might refer to a person as “Lāčplēsis”. On Lāčplēša diena, we commemorate the bravery of the Latvian soldiers. Karlis Skalbe, a Latvian writer, compared the fighting spirit of the Latvian Armed Forces to the "spirit of Lāčplēsis". Subsequently, the Order of Lāčplēsis was established to honor extreme bravery and heroism.
There are many more references to Lāčplēsis that can be found all over Latvia and its culture. Just know, that if someone calls you a “Lāčplēsis”, this is a pure compliment, and no - Latvians do not literally rip bears apart.