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Contemporary fresco of Marko, church in the village Sušica, district Skopje, Macedonia, 1370-80

This article is about the epic Serbian prince. For the fictional character, see The Lecturer's Tale.

Prince Marko (Serbian: Краљевић Марко, Kraljević Marko; Macedonian: Крале Марко, Krale Marko; Bulgarian Крали Марко, Krali Marko; literally Prince Marko in English) was a medieval Serbian prince who ruled an area in what is today the central part of the Republic of Macedonia between 1371 and 1395.

Marko was celebrated as a hero by many songs in Serbian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian epic poetry. Folklore came to remember him as a respected protector and savior of the local population during the period of the Turkish yoke. It is unclear why he became such an important epic figure, taking into account his relatively small historical role.

Marko's capital was at Prilep. His father was King Vukašin (Вукашин), from the medieval Serbian House of Mrnjavčević (Мрњавчевић). Macedonian sources sometimes refer to the dynasty as the "Mrnjavčevci" (Мрњавчевци). The dynasty originated from the area known today as Herzegovina. After his father died fighting against the Ottoman Empire in 1371, Marko became an Ottoman vassal, and later died in the Battle of Rovine fighting on the Turkish side.

Coin minted by Marko, Belgrade museum of applied arts

Serbian epic poems attribute to Marko superhuman strength: He is said to be able to squeeze water from cornel dried for nine years; his weapon of choice is said to be a mace (Serbian: топуз or topuz) of 66 oka (85 kilograms); the horse he chose was said to be the only one he could not throw over his shoulder.

The poems also assert his knightly valor: Even though he is prone to short-tempered outbursts, he remains a protector of the poor and the helpless, a guardian of the law and order, even when to his disadvantage. In one song he mourns killing a hero who was better than himself; in another, he decides on the rightful ruler of the Serbian Empire even though his dishonesty could have benefited his own father. It is told that he chose to die when guns were invented (thus living for hundreds of years) and when he saw that "every coward can kill a hero," even from a distance. Even in death he only sleeps, waiting in a cave until he is needed again, a typical king in the mountain motif.

Marko's portrait, by Mina Karadžić

Marko's horse was named Šarac (Шарац, English Dappled). He was depicted as a perfect match for the prince's strength, and even drank Marko's wine. A typical song begins with: "He drinks wine, oh prince Marko;/half he drinks, half he gives to Šarac". Marko's chosen woman-protector is a vila called Ravijojla (Равијојла). His mother Jevrosima (Јевросима) is historically unknown, although Marko and his brother Andrеja (Андреја, sometimes known as Andrijaš) both exist in the historical chronicles of King Vukašin. In Serbian epic poetry Mother Jevrosima becomes a symbol of justice, morality, and the Christian worldview.

According to the Bulgarian and Macedonian legends, at the birth of Krale (Krali) Marko, three narecnitsi (fate-fairies) appeared and foretold that he would become a hero and replace his father, the king. When king Volkašin heard this he threw his son in a basket in the river to get rid of him. But a samodiva (also called samovila) named Vila found Marko and brought him up, becoming his foster mother. Because Marko suckled the samodiva's milk, he acquired supernatural powers. As in Serbian epic poetry, he is portrayed as a freedom fighter against the Turks. He has a winged horse, called Sharkolia (meaning Dappled) and a step-sister - the samodiva Gyura.

The Bulgarian legends incorporate important fragments of pagan Slavic mythology and beliefs, even though the Bulgarian folk epos was created as late as 14-18th century. Bulgarian epic tales, including those about Krali Marko, are found mainly in the Southwestern part of the country.[1]

Marko is also the titular character in Marguerite Yourcenar's short story Marko's Smile, published in the volume Oriental Tales. His character, while showing extraordinary courage and endurance, is at the same time portrayed as a selfish and ruthless man who does not fight for any particular ideals.

• Markovi Kuli
• House of Mrnjavčević

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Ploughing of Marko Kraljevic

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Marko and the Turks

• The book on Marko Kraljevic - Marko, The King's Son - Hero of The Serbs by Clarence A. Manning, O. Muiriel Fuller, illustrated by Alexander Key
• Heroic Ballads of Servia translated by George Rapall Noyes and Leonard Bacon, 1913
• Web comic strip
• Serbian ballads about Marko (Serbian)
• Bulgarian ballads (also here, with more information) and legends about Marko (Bulgarian)
• Macedonian songs, fairy tales and legends about Marko (Macedonian)