Lithuanian freedom fighters: the historical narrative and the singing tradition

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Antisovietinis pasipriešinimas; Antrasis pasaulinis karas, 1939-1945 (World War II); Istorinis pasakojimas; Kolektyvinė atmintis; Lietuviai Sibire; Partizanų dainos; Sovietinis režimas; Trėmimai; Anti-Soviet resistance; Collective memory; Deportation; Historical narrative; Lithuanians in Siberia; Partisan songs; Soviet regime; The Second World War.

ENThis article is focused on the historical narrative, armed and spiritual resistance, as well as on partisan songs, the most emotionally charged genre of Lithuanian folklore. The Second World War remains one of the most painful and conflicting episodes in the memories of the European nations. However, one could notice that historical narratives vary: every nation commemorates a different war. Every nation speaks and writes about its enemies and freedom fighters, brutal executioners and innocent victims. Every nation feels a guilt for some unforgivable actions or for inactivity. The heroes of independent Lithuania are brave politicians, soldiers, volunteers, rescuers of Jews who helped them to escape the Holocaust, partisans and their supporters, and dissidents who challenged the Soviet regime. Earlier, in Soviet times, freedom fighters were called 'enemies'; now they are heroes. Commemoration of freedom fighters in contemporary Lithuania is elevated to the level of a political, cultural, and moral mission. [From the publication]