The monument which defines Serbian history is on the outskirts of Pristina, capital of Kosovo. It is a tall, square obelisk, like an extra broad clock tower, with a commanding view of a vast plain, the site of the Battle of Kosovo. It was here in 1389 that Serb troops engaged the Turks in fierce combat—and lost. Why, then, do the Serbs ‘celebrate’ this defeat? The significance of the Battle of Kosovo is largely because of the powerful mythology the Serbs have built around it. It is an epic which bards have picked up and is an integral part of Serbian folklore. The epic goes something like this: On the day of the battle prophet Elijah appeared to Serbia’s Prince Lazar. The prince was given two choices by Elijah. Victory in battle and an earthly empire. Or defeat on earth and eternal life in heaven. The prince chose defeat in the earthy battle for a victorious entry into heaven.
