Princess Milica of Serbia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milica of Serbia |
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Fresco from the Ljubostinja monastery (1402–1405)
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| Born | 1335 |
| Died | November 11, 1405 |
| Burial | Ljubostinja |
| Spouse | Lazar of Serbia |
| Issue | Stefan Lazarević |
| House | Nemanjić dynasty |
| Father | Vratko Nemanjić |
| Religion | Serbian Orthodox |
Princess Milica Hrebeljanović (born Nemanjić) lived from about 1335 to November 11, 1405. She was the wife of Prince Lazar of Serbia. After her husband passed away, she became the ruler of Serbia for a few years. This role is called a regent, meaning she ruled until her son, Stefan Lazarević, was old enough to take over.
Later in her life, Princess Milica became a Serbian Orthodox nun. Her nun name was Jevgenija. She was also a writer. She wrote a famous prayer called "A Mother's Prayer" and a poem about missing her husband, titled My Widowhood's Bridegroom.
Contents
Biography
Early life and family
Milica was born around 1335. Her father was Prince Vratko Nemanjić. He was known as Jug Bogdan in old Serbian stories. Milica came from the important Nemanjić dynasty, which had ruled Serbia before. She married Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović.
Ruling Serbia
In 1389, a very important battle happened called the Battle of Kosovo. Princess Milica's husband, Prince Lazar, died in this battle. After his death, Milica became the ruler of Serbia. She was a regent, which means she governed the country because her son, Stefan Lazarević, was too young to rule. She led Serbia from 1389 until 1393.
Becoming a nun
Around 1390, Princess Milica started building a monastery called Ljubostinja monastery.
About three years later, in 1393, she decided to become a nun. She took her vows at her own monastery and was given the name Eugenia. Later, she became an abbess, which is the head of a monastery for nuns, and was known as Euphrosine.
Princess Milica was very brave. She even traveled to meet with Sultan Bayezid I in 1398 or 1399. She went again in 1403 to help her son, Stefan Lazarević, with a difficult problem involving his brother and another leader.
As a writer
Princess Milica was not just a ruler and a nun; she was also a talented writer. She wrote several prayers and religious poems. In 1397, she wrote "A Mother's Prayer" with her sons at the Dečani monastery. She also helped with repairs at the Dečani monastery.
Death and burial
Princess Milica passed away on November 11, 1405. She was buried in the Ljubostinja monastery, the one she had founded. The Serbian Orthodox Church later made her a saint.
Family
Princess Milica and Prince Lazar had several children:
- Dobrovoj (who died young)
- Despot Stefan Lazarević
- Vuk Lazarević
They also had several daughters:
- Jelena Lazarević
- Mara Branković
- Dragana
- Teodora
- Olivera (also known as 'Despina')
Legacy
Street names
Princess Milica is still remembered today. Many streets in Serbia are named after her. For example, in the city of Trstenik, Serbia, the main street is called Kneginje Milice. Trstenik is close to the Ljubostinja Monastery where she is buried.
There is also a Kneginje Milice street in Lazarevac, in the area called Lukavica.
See also
In Spanish: Milica Nemanjić para niños
