Religious song or battle song? The wartime career of a medieval church piece

Abstract

Following the defeat at Mohács, the Ottoman threat and the fear of an Ottoman invasion became a tangible reality in the Kingdom of Bohemia as well. Jiřík Štyrsa, a printer of the period, published a collection of songs intended to provide spiritual guidance and support. The volume contained mainly religious songs that were considered especially relevant in those troubled times. According to an editorial note, one of the songs originated from “old Bohemia.” After the discovery of the Jistebnice hymn book, it became clear that the song was indeed one of the Taborite battle songs. Research has shown that it was much more than a simple song: its content served as a kind of guide to proper conduct for the “Warriors of God”.