The american lyre of Ghevond Alishan

Abstract

The translations made by Ghevond Alishan have a special place in his multi-disciplinary scientific, literary, philological and pedagogical activities. Alishan translated these spiritual songs into grabar (Old Armenian) and the sacred songs included in the selection are very consistent with the classical manifestations of the Armenian medieval, especially official literature written in grabar.

Among the American poets whose songs Alishan translated, the most notable is Henry Longfellow (1807-1882). He was one of Hovhannes Tumanian's favorite poets, of whom the latter made a number of translations.

   The American Lyre collection contains many excerpts from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The soul and soul sight are very important to the Christian religion. The wisdom that it is better to be blind in the eye than in the soul comes from Hermes the Great. The 5^th century historian Yeghishe repeats this idea several times in his history.