Since ancient times the Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea has been inhabited
by the Latvians, one of the Baltic peoples. The Baltic tribes settled here
about 4000 years ago and had their own mythology and customs based upon
the worship of the natural forces. They were the last pagan tribes in
Europe. In the 13th century the Knights of the Teutonic Order invaded the
country to bring in the Christianity. One by one crusaders subjugated the
free peasant-tribes of the Latgalls, Sels and Kurshi, destroyed their
villages and fortified castles, devastated their fields and tried to turn
native inhabitants into serfs of Christ. Only the tribe of the Semigalls
under the guidance of chief Viestards (and later - Nameisis) still carried
on the fight against the servants of cross. Until finally in 1290 after
several bitter fights they were forced to leave the native land, but they
went away unsubjugated. Many an old castle-hill or an oak which has
weathered the storms and adversities of centuries are the sole witness of
these events, but people tell legends about them - about brave Semigallian
warriors... In memory of those who lost their lifes in these battles we
dedicate the SEMIGALLS' WARCHANT. The brave pagan spirit of those will ive
in our hearts forever...
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