SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KOSSOVO MYTH FOR THE SOCIALIZATION IN SERBIAN PATRIARCHAL CULTURE

Abstract

The legend of Kossovo, especially its parts dedicated to Milos Obilié since they are the ones that embody the core values, that is the ideas and ideals of the Serbian patriarchal society, are extremely important for the formation of its members’ character traits. Milos and his heroic deed incarnate and support this value/ideal system: collectivism (community togetherness), honour (honour has no price; the given word is a sacred thing), freedom (the highest ideal being natioal freedom), national consciousness (patriotism), ascetics (the cult of warriors” sufforings). The heroic ethic, as a cultural heritage of vital importance, was transmitted orally (folk literature, education and socialization) and not biologically as an archetype (genetic heritage). In the process of socialization the external value system (the Obilié culd) is internalized and transformed into the internal moral imperative (the Obilié complex) which has an important socio-psychological function: creating of such a national character (personality complex) who will at a critical moment (jeopardized national freedom) always be ready to defend the national, collective interests, irrelevant of the sacrifice. Taday, in times of peace, the heroic (ascetic) type of personality suffocates and suppresses individuality, personal initiative and striving of an individual towards personal happiness, love and self-affirmation. U t of Tife the ascetic personality type becomes dysfun- ctional, while the type of 2 cultural hern becomes much more needed and desired.