The feats of Daskalogiannis and his brave Cretans

[Palavra]

I don't think it's that; bela is μπελάς in Greek, i.e. trouble and the like.

 

[Theseus]

Thanks, Palavra. Point noted.:)

 

[Palavra]

Για να επιστρέψω στη λέξη βάλια, μάλλον είναι ιταλική. Βλέπω ότι στο κρητικό ιδίωμα σημαίνει και «ανδραγαθία», όχι μόνο βάσανο. Επίσης, vaglia σήμαινε παλιά «θάρρος» στα ιταλικά, οπότε κτγμ είναι αρκετά πιθανό να είναι αυτή η προέλευση της λέξης.

 

[Theseus]

Oh, thanks so much, Palαύρα! I pointed out in #17 this Cretan wordlist:- http://www.fourtounis.gr/diafora/lexiko_3.html. Here it says that βάλια means τα βάσανα.:)

 

[Palavra]

I saw, hence my post above :)

 

[Theseus]

Sorry, I realised in retrospect at the time & forgot to correct it. Mea culpa!

 

[Palavra]

Here, I think the meaning ανδραγαθία, exploit, fits better than trouble.

[...]
Θέ μου, και δώσ' μου υπομονή και νουν εις στο κεφάλι
Ν' αναθιβάλω και να ειπώ και τω Σφακιώ τα βάλη

God, give me patience and clarity of mind/so that I will be able to recall and narrate the exploits of Sfakia.

 

[Theseus]

Thanks for all the trouble taken on my behalf. I appreciate it very much. :):)

 

[pontios]

Here, I think the meaning ανδραγαθία, exploit, fits better than trouble.

God, give me patience and clarity of mind/so that I will be able to recall and narrate the exploits of Sfakia.

Another possibility to be considered (even if only to be rejected)?
τα βάλη = the committed/the determined (defenders/fighters) = εκείνοι που "βάλθηκαν" να πολεμήσουν (those who were committed to fighting/dedicated themselves to fighting/set about fighting/defending?);

τω Σφακιώ τα βάλη = the determination/grit of the Sfakians/the Sfakian defenders?

 

[Palavra]

I can't see how this would be etymologically possible, though.

 

[pontios]

I can't see how this would be etymologically possible, though.

I knew I was drawing a long bow - I thought "τα Βαλη" may have been derived from "βάλω" as in "βάλω εναντίον", that's all - and referred to the determined/committed ( Sfakians) - τω Σφακιω τα Βαλη.. the determined/committed from Sfakia.