This article analyses a construction of figure of žrec in the introductory canto of historical
epic Ljutovid written by Croatian romantic writer Ivan Dežman. Žrec is a religious-magical
figure which comprises functions of priest, prophet and magician. By applying reviewed
readings of Austin’s speech acts theory, the article focuses on the performative dimension of
žrec’s prophetic utterances, different types of prophetic speech and their effects of national
integration.