The expression of humanity through the motif of Besa [word of honour] in Albanian songs

Abstract

In traditional Albanian culture, Besa [word of honour] constitutes one of the essential foundations of the moral and ethical code that determines social, interpersonal, and identity relationships. In this view, Albanian folk music has significantly contributed to the transmission and preservation of humanity through the motif of Besa, turning it into a symbol of collective moral conscience. In the folk songs, Besa is frequently portrayed as a virtue associated with manhood and honor, while embodying a human value reaching beyond gender and social status. In certain instances, it embodies the human sacrifice in the name of goodness, justice, and honesty as forms of humanity.

The analysis of the folkloric content reveals that the Kreshniks' [Heroes’] songs, along with ballads and lyrical songs from different Albanian regions, maintain a complex approach to the concept of Besa. At times, it is depicted as a sacred duty to keep one's word; at other times, it signifies a demarcation between honor and disgrace. Additionally, it can be viewed as a virtue that prioritizes significance of life and interpersonal relationships over disputes or individual gains. This paper seeks to demonstrate, through concrete examples, that Besa [word of honour] is not a mere legal or customary concept, but a notion embodying profound ethical dimensions where humanity is expressed through responsibility, empathy, and mutual respect. By examining the role of Besa in the texts of folk music and its influence on shaping traditional morality, the paper highlights that these songs contribute to the preservation, transmission, and actualization of human values within Albanian culture. In this manner, the motif of Besa appears not only as an element of identity but also as a universal representation of human ethics.