The Eighth Tribe, 1977 (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1977-07-01 / 7. szám

July, 1977

THE EIGHTH TRIBE

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the basis of recent archeological finds, we can clearly distinguish among four distinct social classes: 1.) The wealthy and influential tribal and clan aristocracy, 2.) the well-to-do “middle elements” who were in alliance with the ruling class, 3.) the economically and personally free “common people”, and 4.) the personally free, but economically dependent servant class. Moreover — as in all contemporary class societies -— there were also some slaves. But slavery in Magyar society of the period of the conquest was only a temporary phenomenon. It was usually the result of the constant warfare in an age when the concept of “prisoner of war” was still unknown. These slaves had various avenues toward freedom. They could ransom themselves, they could escape, or they could be freed by their captors. Not infrequently they even married into the family of their masters.

The members of the tribal and clan aristocracy usually lived apart from the lesser classes, and each of these families occupied an independent settlement. Moreover — as demonstratd by their burial grounds — they generally stayed in a particular area only for a single generation. The head of the next generation usually moved to a new, agriculturally unexhausted location. Moreover, while the majority of the Magyars were monogamous, these tribal and clan leaders often had several wives — each of them living in independent and geographically separate households. In this way, the tribal and clan chiefs may have had two or more families, with as many sets of children, who lived apart in separate settlements.

Although perhaps strange and unusual, this system had certain advantages for the members of the tribal and clan aristocracy: It bound them together into a complex network of blood relationships, and thus enhanced their social and political power. After the death of a tribal of clan leader, his widow's and their children remained in their respective settlements. Following their own death, however, only one of the widows, the “first” or “chief wife” was buried next to the head of the family. The others were buried separately in the place of their own residences.

Not counting the slaves and the conquered peoples (until their absorbtion J, the lower end of the social pole was represented by the personally free, but economically dependent servant class. These were made up of those poor elements who lived on the lands claimed by the members of the tribal and clan aristocracy, or by some of the wealthier "middle elements.” Notwithstanding their personal freedom, these servant families often remained for generations with the same leading

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meadowland situated right next to a dividing line between two countries (that of Austria and Hungary) — sharply contrasted in emphasis on the other side wdth deep snow, cold, wintry weather and rugged mountainous terrain. Evidence for the extreme temperature differences can be seen also by way of the clothing—for instance, the long, heavy, fur garment plus fur hat worn by the rustic border guard. the latter in charge at the outposi

harrier-crossing between the two countries. Soon seen along the winding road from the sunnier climate comes a horsedrawn, gleaming carriage (analogous to magnificent stallions a-trotting with a gilded fairy-land coach) in which is travelling a beautiful flaxen-haired princess accompanied by a fanciful court suitor. Both of them are elegantly attired with silk and lacy finery, unhampered by heavy outerwear, having highly stylized coiffures (he, bewigged), and both being excessively bejewelled as well as obviously adorned cosmetically.

Now the complexities develop—in the road and otherwise—which become more and more hilarious, yet at the same time serious enough to prevent clear passage enroute toward the travellers’ intended destination. Lo and behold, it is at this point, however, that Hári János (a handsome young folk hero) who gallently comes forth to offer his services, undaunted by the nearly impossible problems, in order to help resolve the impasse. But—first and foremost, a forfeit is demanded (as is similarly known to be done in almost all fairytales) and also must be paid before any attempt whatsoever can be even started in overcoming the difficulties. Of course, the three wishes are granted forthwith by the princess, Marie Louise (who has the exalted power due to her status in life for her to both issue directives and have them put into effect right on the spot) ! At the same time, though, she is quite intrigued by this courageous, country lad, and is curious about his deeply sincere feelings for homeland and fellow beings. Not only that, but romantic possibilities are beginning to emerge! In the meantime, a lovely young maiden, who has been longing for János to return her love, now becomes the object of the aristocratic courtier’s attention, who shows signs of quixotic interest in her as a naturally goodlooking, unspoiled creature, even though simply dressed, having an irresistable sweet directness of unaffected manner, and not otherwise artificially enhanced.

Hári János sets himself right to the task of removing the immediate obstacles and then realigns the roadway for smooth flowing travel, transport, and communication for all (from this preliminary action alone much symbolism can be inferred herewith) ! He next proceeds to enter the upper ranking military realm of huszár (now, not only is he more outstanding in his dashing uniform but also rises to meet more bravely every critical challenge, successfully overcoming all on the battlefield—even to the astonishing extent of surpassing Napoleon himself in military strategy, mental capacity, and physical stature (this, the idyllic dream of hope from time immemorial) !

Then, at last, what better way is there to celebrate victory than with a sumptuous banquet, lavishly prepared of gourmet delicacies, to which all unified defenders sit down over a festive repast together—for it would seem no more than fitting to share refreshment with one another just as they had fought in together against an enemy-incommon. Shortly, though, differences start becoming noticeable between