RUSTAVELI, SHOTA

born c. 1172 died c. 1216 major Georgian poet, author of the Georgian national epic, The Knight in the Panther's Skin. Little is known for certain of Rustaveli's early life. According to Georgian legend, he was orphaned as a child and was brought up by an uncle who was a monk. Such a background may be reflected in the poet's religious and philosophical preoccupations. Rustaveli later composed a series of odes to Queen Tamara (c. 1160c. 1210), who reigned during the high point of Georgian power and cultural attainment. As a reward, the queen appointed him treasurer of the court. Tradition has it that Rustaveli fell in love with her. On the basis of his The Knight in the Panther's Skin, some scholars credit Rustaveli with the creation of the Georgian literary language. Reflected in his poetry are Chinese, Persian, and ancient Greek philosophy, including direct quotations from Plato.