Popular Demonology and Balkan National Identities— Three Examples of "Resurrection" and Death in Balkan National Literatures.

The article examines the integration of archaic myths related to death, resurrection, and the underworld—originating from popular demonology—into Balkan national literatures and identities during the 20th and early 21st centuries. It focuses on three examples: the ballad of the dead brother, myths of the dead tsar and his dead army, and the motif of the destroyed or occupied temple, demonstrating how these cultural archetypes have been consciously or unconsciously nationalized in Bulgarian, Macedonian, Albanian, and other Balkan literary works. The study highlights the complex interplay between historical sources, folklore, and national ideologies, noting that these myths often serve as foundational identity narratives beyond rationalistic Enlightenment frameworks. The article also discusses specific literary adaptations and reinterpretations, such as Macedonian efforts to nationalize the ballad of the dead brother and Bulgarian poet Ivan Vazov's use of demonological motifs to evoke national memory and continuity.