kangelaste

Kangelaste is the genitive plural form of the Estonian noun kangelased, meaning heroes. In Estonian grammar, this form is used to indicate possession or association with heroes, or to describe relationships in noun phrases.

Etymology and form: The base word kangelane means hero, and its plural nominative is kangelased. The genitive plural ending is -te, producing kangaste when used in phrases such as kangelate teod (the deeds of heroes) or kangelate mälestuseks (in memory of the heroes). The form does not stand alone as a subject, but appears within larger noun phrases.

Usage and context: Kangelaste appears frequently in historical, literary, and journalistic contexts to refer to heroes collectively or to things associated with them. Common constructions include phrases like kangelate teod, kangelate mälestuseks, or kangelate nimekiri (the list of heroes). The term is neutral and descriptive, used to discuss heroism at the level of groups of heroes rather than to single out specific individuals.

Relation to related terms: The primary related word is kangelane (hero). Other inflected forms include kangelastega (with heroes) and kangelasteks (to become a hero, in the capacity of heroes). The word remains widely understood in Estonian-language discourse about history, culture, and storytelling.

See also: Kangelane; Estonian language; Heroism in Estonian culture.