What Happens at the End of Akhtamar?

The boy swims on the lake every night to see the girl he loves. Akhtamar refers to the second largest of four islands on Lake Van, the historic birthplace of all Armenians. According to a tale, an Armenian princess named Tamara lived on the island and was in love with a commoner. This boy would swim from the shore to the island each night, guided by a light she lit for him. Her father learned of the boy's visits. One night, as she waited for her lover to arrive, her father smashed her light, leaving the boy in the middle of the lake without a guide to indicate which direction to swim. He drowned and his body washed ashore and, as the legend concludes, it appeared as if the words "Akh, Tamara" (Oh, Tamara) were frozen on his lips.

Ernest Martirosyan's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Irina Baghramyan (Tamar)'s journey. Akhtamar refers to the second largest of four islands on Lake Van, the historic birthplace of all Armenians.

How Does Irina Baghramyan (Tamar)'s Story End?

• Irina Baghramyan: Irina Baghramyan's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Vladimir Episkoposyan (Boy): Vladimir Episkoposyan's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.

What Does the Ending of Akhtamar Mean?

The ending of Akhtamar brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Irina Baghramyan's story may not satisfy all audiences.