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Introduction
Alexander Yaroslavovich Nevsky is a prince who occupies Russian history special place. IN ancient Russian history he is the most popular character. The description of Alexander Nevsky suggests that he was a defender of the Fatherland, a fearless knight who dedicated his life to his homeland. Nevsky literary hagiographic genre
The relevance of this study is determined by the fact that until the 16th century, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” was a kind of standard for depicting Russian princes when describing them military exploits. This work It is remarkable in that it was written by a contemporary of the events, and therefore is of great importance for understanding how the personality of Alexander Nevsky was assessed in those distant times, and what was the significance of the events in which he was a participant.
The Life of Alexander is not a biography, but a description of the most significant events that recreate the heroic image of a warrior prince, a valiant commander and a wise politician. At the same time, the Life contains a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre, since the idea of the sacredness of princely power is conveyed. Main idea Lives: “God is not in power, but in truth.”
The purpose of this work is to consider the life of Alexander Nevsky as a type of princely lives.
1. The history of writing the Life
“Life” is a genre of church literature that describes the life and deeds of saints. The life was created after the death of the saint, but not always after formal canonization. Life is characterized by strict substantive and structural restrictions (canon, literary etiquette), which greatly distinguish it from secular biographies. Hagiography is the study of lives.
The story has come to us in various editions of the 13th-18th centuries. The history of its text is extremely complex, and much remains controversial. Over the course of several centuries, the first edition (“Life”) was revised several times. Currently, 13 editions of the work are known. The relationship between senior editors and the editors of the First Sofia Chronicle has not been fully clarified.
The author of the story was probably a scribe from the circle of Vladimir Metropolitan Kirill, who came from Galicia-Volyn Rus' in 1246, therefore the story reflects the prevailing literary traditions South-West and North-East of Rus'. The author reports that he personally knew Alexander Nevsky and witnessed his deeds. I am a witness of his age
According to the assumption of academician D.S. Likhachev, Metropolitan Kirill took part in the creation of the work: Without a doubt, Kirill was involved in the compilation of the biography of Alexander. He could have been the author, but most likely, he commissioned the life of one of the Galician scribes who lived in the north
By composition, manner of describing military clashes, individual stylistic devices and some phraseological units, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” is close to another work, “The Chronicler of Daniil Galitsky.” The fact that Cyril was related to the compilation of the “Chronicle of Daniil of Galitsky” was argued by L. V. Cherepnin: The Metropolitan died in 1280, and, therefore, the time of the appearance of the “Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” should be attributed to the period between 1263-1280.
After the message about the day of Alexander’s death, the words of Metropolitan Kirill and the Suzdal residents are quoted when the sad news reached them. Metropolitan Kirill said:
My children, understand that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!
No such prince will ever appear in the lands of Suzdal!
The priests and the deacons, the monks, the poor and the rich, and all the people said:
We're already dying!
The story ends with a story about a “wonderful” and “worthy of memory” miracle that happened during the prince’s burial. When they wanted to put a “farewell letter” into the hand of the deceased Alexander, Tosam, as if he were alive, stretched out his hand and took the letter from the hand of the metropolitan.
Until the 16th century, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” was a kind of standard for depicting Russian princes when describing their military exploits.
This work is remarkable in that it was written by a contemporary of the events, and therefore is of great importance for understanding how the personality of Alexander Nevsky was assessed in those distant times, and what was the significance of the events in which he was a participant.
The Life of Alexander Nevsky, most likely, was created at the end of the 13th century, and was written by a person who personally knew the prince. Here we do not see a clear chronological structure, detailed description important historical ones, but we see the praise of the courageous war, the defender of the Russian land - Alexander Nevsky. Having chosen to describe two victorious battles of the Russian army under the command of Alexander - a picture of the battles of the Russians with the Swedes on the Neva River and with the German knights on the ice of Lake Peipsi, the author tried to present to the descendants of the Grand Duke and his army as endowed with heroism, dedication and perseverance in the name of the interests of the Russian people of mythical warriors - heroes.
Somewhat without begging for the literary and historical significance of the Life, written simply and lyrically in the traditions of a military story Ancient Rus', it is necessary to note a certain one-sided approach to the description of the events of those years by contemporaries. They completed the task facing the authors at a historical turn corresponding to their modernity. The exaltation of the Russian people, the development of a sense of patriotism and hatred of enemies, and the maintenance of the authority of military leaders will echo through the history of Russia right up to the present day.
The Life of Alexander is not a biography, which tells in full, in detail, consistently about the prince’s entire life. The author selects only the most significant events (the battle with the Swedes on the Neva, the liberation of Pskov, the Battle of the Ice, the campaign in Lithuanian lands, diplomatic relations with the Horde and the Pope), which recreate the heroic image of a warrior prince, a valiant commander and a wise politician.
From a historical point of view, there are many inaccuracies in the Life.
For example, the Swedish king did not take part in the campaign of 1240 and the Battle of the Neva; during the raid on Suzdal land in 1252, Sartak, not Batu, was the khan of the Golden Horde. There is not a single date in the Life; events are sometimes described without the necessary specification: it is not immediately clear who the “king of the Roman country from the midnight land” is, what city, built by some “from the Western side”, is being discussed, etc. But not these details were important to the author, and the impression made by his hero.
There is a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre in the Life. Following the canons of life, the author begins his story with self-deprecation, calling himself thin and sinful, and of little understanding. Starting to describe the “holy, and honest, and glorious” life of the prince, the author cites the words of the prophet Isaiah about the sacredness of princely power and inspires the idea of special patronage to Prince Alexander heavenly powers. The following description of the prince is full of delight and admiration. Alexander is handsome, like Joseph the Beautiful, strong, like Samson, wise, like Solomon, he is invincible, always winning. The idea of the sacredness of princely power and comparisons with biblical heroes determine the intonation of the entire subsequent narrative, somewhat pathetic, solemnly majestic. “Hearing about the valor of Alexander, the king of the Roman country from the northern land...” - this is how the story about the Battle of the Neva begins. The author does not mention that at this time (1240) Alexander was only 19 years old, and his contemporaries knew this well. The Life depicts a mature husband, about whom ambassadors from other countries say: “I have passed through countries and peoples, but I have not seen such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.” Alexander learns that the Swedes came to the Neva, “puffing with the military spirit,” “reeling from madness,” threatening: “If you can, defend yourself.” His heart flares up, he goes on a campaign with a small squad, and in battle “leaves the mark of his spear on the face of the king himself.” The prince’s speech addressed to the squad is beautiful, laconic, stern, courageous: “God is not in power, but in truth.” Alexander was decisive and brave in the battle on Lake Peipus. The prince cannot bear the boasts of the Germans: “Let us subjugate ourselves Slavic people!” He liberates Pskov, fights the German lands, embodying retribution for the pride and arrogance of his enemies. They came boasting: “Let us go and defeat Alexander and capture him.” But the proud knights were put to flight and captured, and “led barefoot beside the horses of those who call themselves “God’s knights.”
As in the description of the battle on the Neva, the author does not give a detailed picture of the battle, only a few images that help to imagine how cruel the battle was: “It seemed that a frozen lake had moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.” The fame of Alexander's victories spread everywhere. “And his name became famous in all countries, from the Khonuzh Sea and to the Ararat Mountains, and on the other side of the Varangian Sea and to the great Rome.”
In everything, the prince and his warriors are similar. The author of the Life includes in the description of the Battle of the Neva a story about six brave men who fought “without fear in their hearts.” Each of the six has his own feat of arms. So, for example, the Novgorodian Misha sank three Swedish ships, Sava brought down the great golden-domed tent, Sbyslav Yakunovich fought with one ax so that everyone marveled at his strength and courage. Scientists believe that this story about six brave men reflected oral tradition about the Battle of the Neva or a heroic squad song. To convey the greatness of spirit and the beauty of courage, the author turns not only to Russian epic traditions, but also to biblical ones. Alexander's warriors are compared in their courage and stamina with the warriors of King David, their hearts are like the hearts of lions, they are filled with the spirit of war and are ready to lay down their heads for the prince. Biblical comparisons and analogies have become one of the main elements artistic system Lives. The actions of the prince are interpreted in comparison with biblical history, and this gives the biography a special majesty and monumentality. Constant comparisons and references to David, Hezekiah, Solomon, Joshua and Alexander himself are elevated to a biblical hero. Indications of help from above (the appearance of Boris and Gleb to Pelgusius before the Battle of the Neva, the miraculous beating of the Swedes by angels across the Izhora River, the help of God's regiment in the battle on Lake Peipsi) convince us of the special patronage of Alexander by divine powers.
Alexander Nevsky appears as a smart politician and diplomat in his relations with the Horde and the Pope. The answer of Alexander’s husbands to the pope’s ambassadors sounds worthy, learned and wise. Having listed the main stages in the history of mankind and Christianity, they concluded it with the words: “We will not accept teachings from you.” The description of the relationship with the Horde should convince that there are princes left in Rus' whose courage and wisdom can resist the enemies of the Russian land. Alexander's victories are awe-inspiring eastern peoples, Tatar wives scare their children with his name. Even Batu recognizes the greatness of Alexander: “They told me the truth that there is no prince like him.” And this helps Alexander “pray” the Russian regiments from participating in the campaigns of the Mongol-Tatars.
The story about the death of the prince is emotional and lyrical. The author is unable to contain his feelings: “Oh woe to you, poor man!.. How will your apples not fall out along with your tears, how will your heart not be torn out along with the roots!” The death of the prince is perceived by everyone as greatest sorrow. “The sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!” - says Metropolitan Kirill (Alexander died as the Grand Duke of Vladimir), “We are already perishing!” - all the people echo him. The story of the miracle, when Alexander, as if alive, stretches out his hand and accepts the letter from the hands of the Metropolitan, is the culmination of this sublime, upbeat narrative “about the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander.” The author did not want to provide accurate historical information about the prince, but to inspire him with the sight of courageous beauty, righteousness and mercy.
All researchers note the literary talent of the author of the Life and his scholarship. Among literary sources, to which the compiler of the Life addressed, “History of the Jewish War” by Josephus, “Chronographic Alexandria”, “Deugene’s Act”. It is believed that Metropolitan Kirill, who in 1250 moved from the south, from Daniel, to Alexander Nevsky, was directly related to the compilation of Alexander’s biography.
Life of Alexander Nevsky XIII century. was the basis for all subsequent editions of the monument in the XIV-XVI centuries. (there are more than ten of them). For a long time, the Life became a model for princely biographies and military works. ancient Russian literature.
2. The life of Alexander Nevsky in Russian literature of the 13th-18th centuries
Hero of the Neva and Ice Battles, Prince of Novgorod Alexander Yaroslavich, second son of the Grand Duke of Vladimir and Prince of Pereyaslav Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, grandson of Vsevolod the Big Nest, great-grandson of Yuri Dolgoruky, forever entered into national history as the organizer of a strong state in the North-East of Rus', Outstanding commander and a subtle diplomat, he pursued a policy of pacification and containment of the Tatar-Mongols, which he passed on to his descendants - the Moscow princes from Daniil Alexandrovich to Ivan Kalita and Dimitri Donskoy.
The preservation of the Russian family and the Russian land was the ultimate goal of his policy. For this, the people revered him immensely, and God glorified his saint with extraordinary holiness. When Prince Alexander died, his death was perceived by his contemporaries as a grave loss for the entire Russian land. “The sun of the land of Suzhdol is gone!” exclaimed Metropolitan Kirill of Vladimir, and after him people mournfully lamented: “We are already perishing!”
Prince Alexander entered Russian literature as a national hero. It is not for nothing that the first work about him - the Life - was rewritten very often and was the subject of many literary adaptations. The Russian Church also treated the name of the Nevsky Hero with great reverence and tried to surround him with an aura of holiness and attribute to him the qualities of an ideal Christian saint.
Thus, within the walls of the Vladimir Nativity Monastery, where he was buried, initially arose, according to Metropolitan Kirill and housekeeper Sevastian, a legend about a miracle with a spiritual letter that occurred during the burial of the body on November 23, 1263. And in the early 1280s, one of the monks from the same monastery he compiled the First Edition of his Life. Written in the spirit of the lives of secular rulers (for example, Vita Constantini of Eusebius Pamphilus) and under the influence of Galician literary school military stories, The Life of the Nevsky Hero consisted of a monastic preface and a dozen separate episodes from the life of the prince, which were in the nature of testimonies of “self-witnesses”; at the end there was a lament for the deceased, including a description of the burial of the body in Vladimir and a posthumous miracle with a spiritual letter. Last episode testified to his unconditional holiness, while the entire text spoke of the moral purity and height of the hero’s spiritual feat.
In subsequent centuries of Russian history, in connection with the growing popularity of Alexander Nevsky as the protector of the Russian land and the founder of the dynasty - the Moscow branch of the Rurikovichs - further steps were taken to mythologize his personality and ecclesiasize all his actions. After the discovery of his relics under Metropolitan Cyprian (spring 1381) and especially after the all-Russian canonization in 1547, the veneration of this prince as a saint spread everywhere, while the text of the First Edition of the Life was repeatedly redone, supplemented, and changed; sometimes the style of the entire narrative changed, moving away from the style of a military story and approaching the canonical, hagiographical, sometimes the composition, style and almost always the ideas of the work changed.
All the authors of numerous lives of Alexander Nevsky, using well-known topoi for typification, did not strive to portray this prince as he was in life, but constructed an ideal type of a good Christian, a saint of God, a saint who believed in Christ and therefore defeated the enemies of Russia. Noteworthy is the different, in comparison with the literature of the Renaissance, principle of constructing the image of the hero: ascent to the prototype through deconcretization, disproportionality, iteration, similarity. Therefore, the author of the First Edition of the Life seeks to portray not a real person, but an idealized type, personifying some abstract idea of the World. The deconcretization of the image was carried out both through the use of topoi and by equating Prince Alexander Yaroslavich with the generally recognized heroes of the past: Joseph the Beautiful, the hero Samson, Emperor Vespasian, the songwriter David, King Solomon, the prophets Moses and Joshua. This happened because the ancient Russian scribe shared the ideas of transcendental aesthetics that prevailed in the Middle Ages, when an object of art is declared to be rapidly changing and inaccessible to human senses. real world, but an eternal and unchanging idea, revealed only to the mental gaze. At the same time artistic image seemed to be some semblance of this idea of the World and looked in the eyes ancient Russian man greater reality than the world open to his senses.
It is not surprising, therefore, that the crown of the artist’s creativity was not the desire for realistic art, but the creation of new values that reflect divine meaning of the universe, and in artistic perception The ancient Russian scribe transforms images of reality into symbols that are as close as possible to the idea of the World. That is why Prince Alexander Yaroslavich is not a real human character, but the focus of ideal qualities that are manifested in his actions - military exploits and wise reign.
Very little historical remained in the hagiographic image of Alexander Nevsky. From the pen of the ancient Russian scribe grew an idea-symbol, given under the sign of eternity and protected by Providence. Providence was the basis of the “philosophy of history” of the Russian Middle Ages. The hero's mind, feeling and will did not stand out; their manifestations were strictly determined by the “Divine Will”.
All Old Russian editions of the Life of Alexander Nevsky were not only read in the 18th century, but were also often copied, thanks to which Russian readers learned a lot about Prince Alexander, whose authority and reputation as a holy warrior, patron of the capital, empire and ruling dynasty were impeccable.
At the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment, Peter the Great elevated the veneration of Alexander Nevsky into an official national cult, especially after the founding of St. Petersburg (1703) and the Holy Trinity Alexander Nevsky Monastery (1710). The remains of the prince's holy relics are transferred from Vladimir to St. Petersburg (1723-1724), and the day of their rest in a new place is August 30 (September 12, new style) - the day of imprisonment Peace of Nystadt- is declared the day of his church celebration. The court preacher Gabriel Buzhinsky wrote and published the 16th edition of the Life; In Elizabethan times, new literary editions appeared. The penultimate one was created in 1797 within the walls of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra and the last, Twentieth, Old Believer - at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. In the 18th century originates from Russian historiography, which did not pass by attempts to create detailed biographies of the Nevsky hero (Gerard Miller, Fyodor Tumansky, Catherine II).
Using the example of the history of the text of the Life of Alexander Nevsky over six centuries, the following is clearly visible: firstly, the historical and literary development of the legend (myth) about Alexander Nevsky, which completely merges with national history, with self-awareness and self-knowledge of the Russian people; secondly, the historical and literary development of the genre, composition and style of the hagiographic work in the very period when the Great Russian people were turning into a powerful freedom-loving nation. In this regard, the image of the holy noble prince Alexander Nevsky fully corresponded to the Russian idea, always beautiful in its development.
The essence of the movement of the Russian idea could be expressed in two words: firstly, it is the deep and high morality of Russians, devoted to their Family, Hearth and their Land; secondly, it is no less high level the utopianism of the idea of national salvation, which consists in faith in the ancient Russian statehood - the Kingdom of Moscow - and in the state of modern times - the Russian Empire, the founder of which was Peter the Great.
The great spiritualizing Idea of good, opposing the Kingdom of evil, is the main idea of the biographies of Alexander Nevsky for six centuries, in which his image is revealed through a skillfully organized artistic verbal fabric.
A detailed specific study of the texts of more than twenty editions of the Life of 500 manuscripts is our next task.
Conclusion
Thus, summing up this work, we can draw the following conclusions. The young Prince Alexander was a politician who took a new look at the city. With the upbringing of that time strong characters took shape in the princely environment very early: historically, the formation of the personality of a broad-minded, all-Russian guardian, alien to the miserable isolation of small princes, took place.
Secondly, in the Life there is a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre, the idea is conveyed about the sacredness of princely power and inspires the idea of the special patronage of Prince Alexander by the heavenly powers.
In his activities, Prince Alexander proceeds from the fact that: “God is not in power, but in truth.” In everything, the prince and his warriors are similar. The actions of the prince are interpreted in comparison with biblical history, and this gives the biography a special majesty and monumentality.
Alexander Nevsky appears as a smart politician and diplomat in his relations with the Horde and the Pope. The answer of Alexander’s husbands to the pope’s ambassadors sounds worthy, learned and wise. Having listed the main stages in the history of mankind and Christianity, they concluded it with the words: “We will not accept teachings from you.” The description of the relationship with the Horde should convince that there are princes left in Rus' whose courage and wisdom can resist the enemies of the Russian land. Alexander's victories inspire fear in the eastern peoples; Tatar wives frighten their children with his name. Even Batu recognizes the greatness of Alexander: “They told me the truth that there is no prince like him.”
The story about the death of the prince is emotional and lyrical.
All researchers note the literary talent of the author of the Life and his scholarship. It is believed that Metropolitan Kirill, who in 1250 moved from the south, from Daniel, to Alexander Nevsky, was directly related to the compilation of Alexander’s biography.
"Life of Alexander Nevsky" XIII century. was the basis for all subsequent editions of the monument in the XIV-XVI centuries. (there are more than ten of them). For a long time, the life became a model for princely biographies and military stories; its influence is palpable in “The Tale of Mamaev's massacre”, in “The Tale of the Life and Repose of Grand Duke Dmitry Ivanovich Donskoy” and many other works of ancient Russian literature.
Alexander Nevsky, like his comrades, belonged to the generation of new people, their behavior differed from the behavior of the appanage princes. Alexander's patriotism determined the principles of the structure of Rus' for several centuries. The traditions laid down by the prince, based on national and religious tolerance, have attracted peoples living in neighboring territories to Russia until our time.
List of used literature
1. Avetisyan S.A., Sinegubov S.N., Teper E.M. History of the Fatherland in Persons. - M.: Ross. national library, 1993. - 540 p.
2. Begunov Yu.K. Monument to Russian Literature XIII century: “The Word about the Death of the Russian Land” - M., Leningrad, 1965. - 600 p.
3. Georgieva T.S. Russian culture: history and modernity: textbook. allowance. - M.: Yurayt, 1998. - 576 p.
4. Gnedich P.P. History of art from ancient times. - M.: LLC Publishing House. house Chronicle-M, 2000. - 479 p.
5. Dmitrieva N.A. Brief history arts T. 1. - M.: graduate School, 1987. - 348 p.
6. Petrukhintsev N.N. XX lectures on the history of world culture. - M.: Humanite. ed. VLADOS center, 2001. - 400 p.
7. Rybakov B.A. Ancient Rus'. Tales, epics, chronicles. - M.: Nauka, 1963. - 290 p.
8. Reader on ancient Russian literature: Life of Alexander Nevsky / Comp. M.E. Fedorova, T.A. Sumnikova. - 3rd ed., rev. and additional - M.: Higher. school, 1985. - 430 p.
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WITH half XII V. under the influence of princely civil strife, attacks by nomads, and increased feudal fragmentation, the impoverishment of the ancient Russian state begins. The Principality of Kiev is losing its national significance. In 1240 Kyiv fell to the Tatars; cultural center moves from Kyiv to the northeast, to the Vladimir-Suzdal land, and then to Moscow. The princely civil strife, which did not stop at first even under the yoke of the Tatars, strengthened the isolation of individual “destinies.” Literary development in the XIII-XIV centuries. therefore has a regional character. But the best literary monuments still pose problems of all-Russian significance and reflect events important for the destinies of all of Rus'. The Tatar-Mongol invasion was perceived in Rus' as a global catastrophe that artificially slowed down the development of culture. However, the culture of the Russian people and their freedom-loving spirit were not destroyed. In the literary monuments of the period of the Tatar-Mongol invasion, the ideas of the unity of Rus' were again heard. In works such as " A Word about the Death of the Russian Land", "The Life of Alexander Nevsky" and in a number of chronicle stories, we encounter ideas that would triumph in the literature of the late XIV - early XVI centuries, the period of the unification of the Russian land.
From literary monuments related to Tatar invasion, the stories are of greatest interest. “The Tale of the Battle of the Kalka River”, “The Tale of Batu’s Coming to Ryazan” created, as researchers suggest, no later than the middle of the 14th century. and are, in their artistic merits, an outstanding work. Main idea, permeating the literary monuments of the period of the Tatar invasion, is the fight against the enslavers of the Russian land, the defense of the homeland from the Tatar yoke. Like the literary monuments of the period Kievan Rus, monuments reflecting the invasion of the Tatars are characterized by the theme of national unity.
Analyzing “The Tale of Batu’s Coming to Ryazan,” based on epic tales that arose among the warriors, it is necessary to pay attention to the description of the experiences of the Russian people caused by the attack of nomads. The journalistic focus of the story lies in the author's condemnation of the fratricidal strife of the princes. He understands that princely civil strife is the cause of the ruin and weakening of Rus'. This undoubtedly facilitated Batu's victory.
You should also familiarize yourself with “A word about the destruction of the Russian land”, where memories of past power and wealth are, as it were, a guarantee of the liberation of Rus' from Tatar rule.
The story contains elements of a military tale, hagiography and traces of the influence of biblical writing, which this wonderful monument to the heroic past of our Motherland contains.
2. Analysis of the “life of Alexander Nevsky”.
Considering “The Life of Alexander Nevsky”, it should be pointed out that the historical military element occupies a dominant place in the story, which indicates the evolution of the genre of life towards greater convergence with concrete reality. The image of Alexander Nevsky is idealized: the prince is endowed with the best features of a warrior and civil leader, who, in difficult times for Rus', became the winner of the Swedes and Germans and the defender of the Russian land from Tatar violence...
The first biography of Prince Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky (1221-1262) was compiled, according to scientists, in the 80s XIII century scribe of the Vladimir Nativity Monastery. The prince's body was buried here, and at the end of the 13th century. His veneration as a saint began. In the lists, the life does not have a stable title and is called “The Tale of Life and Courage”, “The Lay of the Grand Duke”, “The Life of the Blessed Grand Duke”. The author of the life calls himself a contemporary of Alexander, a “witness” of his life and creates a biography of the prince from his memories and the stories of his associates.
The Life of Alexander is not a biography, which tells in full, in detail, consistently about the prince’s entire life. The author selects only the most significant events(battle with the Swedes on the Neva, liberation of Pskov, Battle of the Ice, campaign in Lithuanian lands, diplomatic relations with the Horde and the Pope), which recreate the heroic image of a warrior prince, a valiant commander and a wise politician. The history and the very activity of Alexander Yaroslavich in his life appears in a transformed form, not so much in its specific manifestations and events, but in its eternal essence, not in everyday details, but in the appearance of life.
There is a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre in the life. Following the canons of life, authorbegins his story with self-deprecation, calling himself thin and sinful, and of little understanding. Starting to describe the “holy, and honest, and glorious” life of the prince, the author cites the words of the prophet Isaiah about the sacredness of princely power and inspires the idea of the special protection of Prince Alexander by the heavenly powers. The following description of the prince is full of delight and admiration. Alexander handsome like Joseph the Beautiful, strong like Samson, wise like Solomon, he is invincible, always winning. The idea of the sacredness of princely power and comparisons with biblical heroes determine the intonation of the entire subsequent narrative, somewhat pathetic, solemnly majestic.
The author does not mention that at this time (1240) Alexander was only 19 years old, his contemporaries knew this well. In the life, a mature husband is depicted. Alexander learns that the Swedes came to the Neva, “puffing with the military spirit,” threatening: “If you can, defend yourself.” His heart flares up, he goes on a campaign with a small squad, and in battle “he leaves the mark of his spear on the face of the king himself.” The prince’s speech addressed to the squad is beautiful, laconic, stern, courageous: “God is not in power, but in righteousness.” Alexander was decisive and brave in the battle on Lake Peipus. The prince cannot bear the boasts of the Germans: “Let us conquer the Slavic people!” He liberates Pskov, fights the German lands, embodying retribution for the pride and arrogance of his enemies. They came boasting: “Let us go and defeat Alexander and capture him.” But the proud knights were put to flight and captured, and “led barefoot beside the horses of those who call themselves “God’s knights.” As in the description of the battle on the Neva, the author does not give a detailed picture of the battle, only a few images that help to imagine how cruel the slaughter was: “It seemed that a frozen lake had moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.”
In everything, the prince and his warriors are similar. The author of the life includes in the description of the Battle of the Neva a story about six brave men who fought “without fear in their hearts.” Each of the six has his own feat of arms. So, for example, Novgorodian Misha sank three Swedish ships, Sava the great golden-domed one brought down the tent, Sbyslav Yakunovich he fought with one ax so that everyone marveled at his strength and courage. Scientists believe that this story about six brave men reflected the oral tradition of the Battle of the Neva or a heroic song of the squad. To convey the greatness of spirit and the beauty of courage, the author turns not only to Russian epic traditions, but also to biblical ones. Alexander's warriors are compared in their courage and stamina with the warriors of King David, their hearts are like the hearts of lions, they are filled with the spirit of war and are ready to lay down their heads for the prince. Biblical comparisons and analogies have become one of the main elements of the artistic system of life.
Alexander Nevsky appears as a smart politician and diplomat in his relations with the Horde and the Pope.
The story about the death of the prince is emotional and lyrical. The author is unable to contain his feelings: “Oh woe to you, poor man!.. How will your apples not fall out along with your tears, how will your heart not be torn out along with the roots!” The death of the prince is perceived by everyone as the greatest grief. “The sun has already set on the land of Suzdal!” says Metropolitan Kirill (Alexander died as the Grand Duke of Vladimir), “We are already perishing!” - all the people echo him. The story of the miracle, when Alexander, as if alive, stretches out his hand and accepts the letter from the hands of the Metropolitan, is the culmination of this sublime, upbeat narrative “about the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander.”
Introduction
Alexander Yaroslavovich Nevsky is a prince who occupies a special place in Russian history. In ancient Russian history he is the most popular character. The description of Alexander Nevsky suggests that he was a defender of the Fatherland, a fearless knight who dedicated his life to his homeland. Nevsky literary hagiographic genre
The relevance of this study is determined by the fact that until the 16th century, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” was a kind of standard for depicting Russian princes when describing their military exploits. This work is remarkable in that it was written by a contemporary of the events, and therefore is of great importance for understanding how the personality of Alexander Nevsky was assessed in those distant times, and what was the significance of the events in which he was a participant.
The Life of Alexander is not a biography, but a description of the most significant events that recreate the heroic image of a warrior prince, a valiant commander and a wise politician. At the same time, the Life contains a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre, since the idea of the sacredness of princely power is conveyed. The main idea of the Life: “God is not in power, but in truth.”
The purpose of this work is to consider the life of Alexander Nevsky as a type of princely lives.
History of writing the Life
“Life” is a genre of church literature that describes the life and deeds of saints. The life was created after the death of the saint, but not always after formal canonization. Life is characterized by strict substantive and structural restrictions (canon, literary etiquette), which greatly distinguish it from secular biographies. Hagiography is the study of lives.
The story has come to us in various editions of the 13th-18th centuries. The history of its text is extremely complex, and much remains controversial. Over the course of several centuries, the first edition (“Life”) was revised several times. Currently, 13 editions of the work are known. The relationship between senior editors and the editors of the First Sofia Chronicle has not been fully clarified.
The author of the story was probably a scribe from the circle of Vladimir Metropolitan Kirill, who came from Galicia-Volyn Rus' in 1246, therefore the story reflects the established literary traditions of the South-West and North-East of Rus'. The author reports that he personally knew Alexander Nevsky and witnessed his deeds. I am a witness of his age
According to the assumption of academician D.S. Likhachev, Metropolitan Kirill took part in the creation of the work: Without a doubt, Kirill was involved in the compilation of the biography of Alexander. He could have been the author, but most likely, he commissioned the life of one of the Galician scribes who lived in the north
In composition, the manner of describing military clashes, certain stylistic devices and some phraseological units, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” is close to another work, “The Chronicler of Daniil Galitsky.” The fact that Cyril was related to the compilation of the “Chronicle of Daniil of Galitsky” was argued by L. V. Cherepnin: The Metropolitan died in 1280, and, therefore, the time of the appearance of the “Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” should be attributed to the period between 1263-1280.
After the message about the day of Alexander’s death, the words of Metropolitan Kirill and the Suzdal residents are quoted when the sad news reached them. Metropolitan Kirill said:
My children, understand that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!
No such prince will ever appear in the lands of Suzdal!
The priests and the deacons, the monks, the poor and the rich, and all the people said:
We're already dying!
The story ends with a story about a “wonderful” and “worthy of memory” miracle that happened during the prince’s burial. When they wanted to put a “farewell letter” into the hand of the deceased Alexander, Tosam, as if he were alive, stretched out his hand and took the letter from the hand of the metropolitan.
Until the 16th century, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” was a kind of standard for depicting Russian princes when describing their military exploits.
This work is remarkable in that it was written by a contemporary of the events, and therefore is of great importance for understanding how the personality of Alexander Nevsky was assessed in those distant times, and what was the significance of the events in which he was a participant.
The Life of Alexander Nevsky, most likely, was created at the end of the 13th century, and was written by a person who personally knew the prince. Here we do not see a clear chronological structure, a detailed description of important historical ones, but we see the praise of the courageous warrior, the defender of the Russian land - Alexander Nevsky. Having chosen to describe two victorious battles of the Russian army under the command of Alexander - a picture of the battles of the Russians with the Swedes on the Neva River and with the German knights on the ice of Lake Peipsi, the author tried to present to the descendants of the Grand Duke and his army as endowed with heroism, dedication and perseverance in the name of the interests of the Russian people of mythical warriors - heroes.
Without somewhat begging for the literary and historical significance of the Life, written simply and lyrically in the traditions of the military tale of Ancient Rus', it is necessary to note a certain one-sided approach to the description of the events of those years by contemporaries. They completed the task facing the authors at a historical turn corresponding to their modernity. The exaltation of the Russian people, the development of a sense of patriotism and hatred of enemies, and the maintenance of the authority of military leaders will echo through the history of Russia right up to the present day.
The Life of Alexander is not a biography, which tells in full, in detail, consistently about the prince’s entire life. The author selects only the most significant events (the battle with the Swedes on the Neva, the liberation of Pskov, the Battle of the Ice, the campaign in Lithuanian lands, diplomatic relations with the Horde and the Pope), which recreate the heroic image of a warrior prince, a valiant commander and a wise politician.
From a historical point of view, there are many inaccuracies in the Life.
For example, the Swedish king did not take part in the campaign of 1240 and the Battle of the Neva; during the raid on Suzdal land in 1252, Sartak, not Batu, was the khan of the Golden Horde. There is not a single date in the Life; events are sometimes described without the necessary specification: it is not immediately clear who the “king of the Roman country from the midnight land” is, what city, built by some “from the Western side”, is being discussed, etc. But not these details were important to the author, and the impression made by his hero.
There is a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre in the Life. Following the canons of life, the author begins his story with self-deprecation, calling himself thin and sinful, and of little understanding. Starting to describe the “holy, and honest, and glorious” life of the prince, the author cites the words of the prophet Isaiah about the sacredness of princely power and inspires the idea of the special protection of Prince Alexander by the heavenly powers. The following description of the prince is full of delight and admiration. Alexander is handsome, like Joseph the Beautiful, strong, like Samson, wise, like Solomon, he is invincible, always winning. The idea of the sacredness of princely power and comparisons with biblical heroes determine the intonation of the entire subsequent narrative, somewhat pathetic, solemnly majestic. “Hearing about the valor of Alexander, the king of the Roman country from the northern land...” - this is how the story about the Battle of the Neva begins. The author does not mention that at this time (1240) Alexander was only 19 years old, and his contemporaries knew this well. The Life depicts a mature husband, about whom ambassadors from other countries say: “I have passed through countries and peoples, but I have not seen such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.” Alexander learns that the Swedes came to the Neva, “puffing with the military spirit,” “reeling from madness,” threatening: “If you can, defend yourself.” His heart flares up, he goes on a campaign with a small squad, and in battle “leaves the mark of his spear on the face of the king himself.” The prince’s speech addressed to the squad is beautiful, laconic, stern, courageous: “God is not in power, but in truth.” Alexander was decisive and brave in the battle on Lake Peipus. The prince cannot bear the boasts of the Germans: “Let us conquer the Slavic people!” He liberates Pskov, fights the German lands, embodying retribution for the pride and arrogance of his enemies. They came boasting: “Let us go and defeat Alexander and capture him.” But the proud knights were put to flight and captured, and “led barefoot beside the horses of those who call themselves “God’s knights.”
As in the description of the battle on the Neva, the author does not give a detailed picture of the battle, only a few images that help to imagine how cruel the battle was: “It seemed that a frozen lake had moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.” The fame of Alexander's victories spread everywhere. “And his name became famous in all countries, from the Khonuzh Sea and to the Ararat Mountains, and on the other side of the Varangian Sea and to the great Rome.”
In everything, the prince and his warriors are similar. The author of the Life includes in the description of the Battle of the Neva a story about six brave men who fought “without fear in their hearts.” Each of the six has his own feat of arms. So, for example, the Novgorodian Misha sank three Swedish ships, Sava brought down the great golden-domed tent, Sbyslav Yakunovich fought with one ax so that everyone marveled at his strength and courage. Scientists believe that this story about six brave men reflected the oral tradition of the Battle of the Neva or a heroic song of the squad. To convey the greatness of spirit and the beauty of courage, the author turns not only to Russian epic traditions, but also to biblical ones. Alexander's warriors are compared in their courage and stamina with the warriors of King David, their hearts are like the hearts of lions, they are filled with the spirit of war and are ready to lay down their heads for the prince. Biblical comparisons and analogies have become one of the main elements of the artistic system of the Life. The actions of the prince are interpreted in comparison with biblical history, and this gives the biography a special majesty and monumentality. Constant comparisons and references to David, Hezekiah, Solomon, Joshua and Alexander himself are elevated to a biblical hero. Indications of help from above (the appearance of Boris and Gleb to Pelgusius before the Battle of the Neva, the miraculous beating of the Swedes by angels across the Izhora River, the help of God's regiment in the battle on Lake Peipsi) convince us of the special patronage of Alexander by divine powers.
Alexander Nevsky appears as a smart politician and diplomat in his relations with the Horde and the Pope. The answer of Alexander’s husbands to the pope’s ambassadors sounds worthy, learned and wise. Having listed the main stages in the history of mankind and Christianity, they concluded it with the words: “We will not accept teachings from you.” The description of the relationship with the Horde should convince that there are princes left in Rus' whose courage and wisdom can resist the enemies of the Russian land. Alexander's victories inspire fear in the eastern peoples; Tatar wives frighten their children with his name. Even Batu recognizes the greatness of Alexander: “They told me the truth that there is no prince like him.” And this helps Alexander “pray” the Russian regiments from participating in the campaigns of the Mongol-Tatars.
The story about the death of the prince is emotional and lyrical. The author is unable to contain his feelings: “Oh woe to you, poor man!.. How will your apples not fall out along with your tears, how will your heart not be torn out along with the roots!” The death of the prince is perceived by everyone as the greatest grief. “The sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!” - says Metropolitan Kirill (Alexander died as the Grand Duke of Vladimir), “We are already perishing!” - all the people echo him. The story of the miracle, when Alexander, as if alive, stretches out his hand and accepts the letter from the hands of the Metropolitan, is the culmination of this sublime, upbeat narrative “about the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander.” The author did not want to provide accurate historical information about the prince, but to inspire him with the sight of courageous beauty, righteousness and mercy.
All researchers note the literary talent of the author of the Life and his scholarship. Among the literary sources consulted by the compiler of the Life are Josephus’s “History of the Jewish War,” “Chronographic Alexandria,” and “The Deed of Devgenius.” It is believed that Metropolitan Kirill, who in 1250 moved from the south, from Daniel, to Alexander Nevsky, was directly related to the compilation of Alexander’s biography.
Life of Alexander Nevsky XIII century. was the basis for all subsequent editions of the monument in the XIV-XVI centuries. (there are more than ten of them). For a long time, the Life became a model for princely biographies and military works of ancient Russian literature.
A life is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky as a wise statesman and great commander. This work was written in the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir, where the prince was buried. His role in the history of Rus' is that he led the fight against the German-Swedish invaders.
In 1240, Swedish knights invaded the northwestern lands of Rus'. They entered the Neva River on ships and stopped at the mouth of its tributary, Izhora. With a small retinue, Prince Alexander Yaroslavich attacked the enemy on June 15, 1240 and won a brilliant victory. Hence Alexander’s nickname - Nevsky.
In 1241-1242, he led the fight against the troops of Lithuanian knights who captured Pskov and Novgorod lands. On April 5, 1242, a decisive battle took place on the ice of Lake Peipus, ending in the defeat of the enemies and going down in history as the “Battle of the Ice.”
Alexander Nevsky was an outstanding diplomat. Realizing the futility of military actions against the Golden Horde in the circumstances of that time, he maintained peaceful relations with the khan, pursued a policy of unifying northeastern and northwestern Rus' and strengthening the grand ducal power. The prince traveled to Golden Horde, even managed to achieve the release of the Russians from the obligation to supply troops to the Tatars.
The hagiographical story about Alexander Nevsky was supposed to show that, despite the subjugation of the Russian principalities to the Mongol-Tatars, there remained princes in Rus' whose courage and wisdom could resist their enemies. Even Batu recognized the greatness of Alexander.
The author of the life knew the prince and witnessed his state affairs and military exploits. Scientists believe that the life was written by Metropolitan Kirill. The narrator’s feeling of living sympathy for Alexander, admiration for his military and government activities determined the special sincerity and lyricism of the narrative.
The characteristics of the prince in his life are very diverse. On the one hand, he is full of church virtues - quiet, meek, humble, on the other hand, he is a courageous and invincible warrior, swift in battle, selfless and merciless towards the enemy. This is how the ideal of a wise prince, ruler and brave commander is created.
Thus, in the battle on the Neva, “he firmly believed in the help of the saints and martyrs Boris and Gleb,” whose faces appeared in a vision to the elder of the land of Izhora, Pelguy, sent on patrol. In a ship sailing on the sea, Pelguy saw Boris and Gleb “in scarlet robes, holding their hands on each other’s shoulders, and the rowers sat as if dressed in darkness. And Boris said: “Brother Gleb, tell us to row, and let us help our relative, Prince Alexander "" 1. Inspired by this vision, the prince decided to attack the enemy with a small army. “And there was a strong battle with the Romans (Swedish knights); he beat countless enemies and wounded the king himself in the face with his sharp spear” 2.
In the episode dedicated to the battle on the Neva, it tells about six heroes who distinguished themselves in the battle, who “fought without fear in their souls.” “Here, in Alexander’s regiment, six brave and strong men appeared, who fought hard with him. One, Gavrilo, nicknamed Aleksich; seeing the king, who was being dragged by the arms, he attacked the ship, rode along the plank all the way to the ship, and they ran everyone from him, then turned around and from the board on which they boarded the ship, they threw him and his horse into the sea; with the help of God, he got out of the sea unharmed and again attacked them and fought hard with the commander himself among their regiments. a Novgorodian named Zbyslav Yakunovich; this one attacked enemies more than once, without fear in his heart and fighting with only an ax, and many fell from his ax; Prince Alexander Yaroslavich marveled at his strength and courage. The third was Yakov, a Polotsk native. the prince's hunter; this one attacked the enemy regiment with a sword and fought bravely, and the prince praised him for this. The fourth, a Novgorodian named Misha, was on foot and with his squad sank three ships of the Romans. named Savva; this one ran into the large golden-domed royal tent and cut down the tent pillar; The Alexandrov regiments were very happy when they saw how this tent fell apart. The sixth of the prince’s servants is named Ratmir; On foot he was surrounded by enemies, and from many wounds he fell and died."
The life also depicts the battle with the German knights on Lake Peipus, who wanted to “disgrace the Slavic people.” “The Germans gathered and, boasting, said: “Let’s go, let’s defeat Prince Alexander, we’ll catch him with our hands.”... Prince Alexander gathered an army and went to meet the enemies. And they met on Lake Peipsi - a lot of people... When the sun rose, the regiments converged And the spears cracked, and the ringing of swords was heard, and the slaughter was so fierce that the ice on the lake began to move: there was no ice to be seen, it was all covered in blood." 4
The author turns to the testimony of an eyewitness: “we saw in heaven the regiment of God, which came to the aid of Prince Alexander,” and continues the story: “... and Alexander defeated the enemies with the help of God and they fled. So Alexander’s regiments drove and cut down the enemies, as if they were rushing through the air: and there was nowhere for them to run" 5.
This victory brought Alexander Nevsky great glory. The author admires the prince and attributes to him the best human qualities: he is handsome, strong, wise, brave.
Often the author of the life turns to biblical motifs: in the depiction of Alexander’s battles and victories he sees divine destiny, in the portrait of the prince the similarities with the characters of the Holy Scripture are emphasized. The beauty of his face is like the beauty of Joseph, his strength is like that of Samson, his wisdom is like that of Solomon, and his courage is like that of the Roman emperor Vespasian.
The final part of the life - the story of the death of the prince - is permeated with special solemnity and lyricism. On the way back from the Horde, Alexander Nevsky fell ill and soon died. The story ends with a story about a “wonderful” and “worthy of memory” miracle that occurred during the prince’s burial. When dead Alexander they wanted to put a “farewell letter” in his hand, then he himself, as if alive, extended his hand and took the letter from the metropolitan. The author indulges in grief and sadness over the death of the prince: “Oh woe to you, poor man! How can you describe the death of your master! How will your apples not fall out along with your tears! How will your heart not break from bitter sadness” 6 .
Until the 16th century, “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” was a kind of model for the depiction of Russian princes.
QUESTIONS AND TASKS
- Provide historical information about the battles on the Neva and Lake Peipsi.
- What is known in science about the author of "The Life of Alexander Nevsky"?
- How does the author assess the role of the prince in preserving the unity of Rus'?
- How is the ideal of a wise ruler and a brave commander created?
- How is the Battle of the Neva and the heroic deeds of the warriors described? Give a story about six brave men. How does the author feel about their feat?
- For what purpose does the author introduce a biblical legend?
- Describe the Battle of Lake Peipsi. What is the role of divine omens?
- For what purpose does the author introduce the appearance of the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb before the battle?
- How does the author mourn Alexander in the final part of the Life?
- What is the patriotic pathos of the “Life” and how is the author’s desire to glorify service expressed? native land, create the image of an ideal prince?