Life of Alexandra Nevskog

Life of Alexander Nevsky

The story of the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander

“The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” - monument ancient Russian literature XIII century In manuscripts it does not have a stable name and is called “life”, “word” or “story of life”. This work is a princely biography, combining the features of a military story and life.
The composition of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” dates back to the 80s.
XIII century and are associated with the names of Dmitry Alexandrovich, the son of Alexander Nevsky, Metropolitan Kirill of Kyiv and Vladimir, with Vladimir, with the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, where the prince’s body was buried. Here in the 13th century. The veneration of the prince as a saint begins and the first edition of his life appears.
The author of the Life, a scribe from the entourage of Metropolitan Kirill, who calls himself a contemporary of the prince, a witness of his life, based on his memoirs and the stories of Alexander Nevsky's comrades, creates a biography of the prince, glorifying his military valor and political successes.
IN historical science There are a number of versions regarding the authorship of this monument, but none of them can be considered proven.
Over the course of several centuries, the Vladimir edition of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” was rewritten and revised (there are more than fifteen editions of it).
The text of the first edition of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” (“The Tale of the Life and Courage of Alexander Nevsky”) is published one by one (13 in total) from the oldest copies, which dates back to the end of the 15th century. The episode about the six brave men and the story about the miracle beyond Izhora, missing from this list, are included according to the text of the life in the Laurentian Chronicle. Using the same text, obvious errors in the list taken as the main one are corrected.
Arranged into modern Russian and part of the notes by N. Okhotnikova.

The story of the life of Alexander Nevsky.
Ice battle.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God.

I, pitiful and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy Prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself witnessed his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, honest, and glorious life. But as the Tributary 1 said: “Wisdom will not enter an evil soul: for it dwells in elevated places, stands in the middle of the roads, and stops at the gates of noble people.” Although I am simple in mind, I will still begin by praying to the Holy Mother of God and trusting in the help of Holy Prince Alexander.

This Prince Alexander was born from a merciful, philanthropic, and most of all meek father, the Great Prince Yaroslav, and from his mother Theodosia 2. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I appoint princes; they are sacred, and I lead them.” And truly, his reign was not without God’s command.

And he was handsome like no other, and his voice was like a trumpet among the people, his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king made the second king in Egypt, and his strength was part of the strength of Samson, and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, His courage is like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered the entire land of Judea. One day he prepared to besiege the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople came out and defeated his army. And only Vespasian remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his squad, and reproached them, saying: “They left me alone” 3. Likewise, Prince Alexander won, but was invincible.

Once one of the eminent men of the Western Country 4, from those who call themselves servants of God 5, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, just as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba 6 came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, named Andreas 7, having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his people and said: “I went through countries and peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

Hearing about such valor of Prince Alexander, the king of the Roman country from the northern land 8 thought to himself: “I will go and conquer the land of Alexander.” And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, and moved with a huge army, blazing with the military spirit. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, proud, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: “If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land.”

Alexander, having heard such words, burned in his heart and entered the church of St. Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: “Glorious God, righteous, great, strong God, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and set the boundaries You commanded the peoples to live without transgressing other people’s borders.” And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who have offended me and protect them from those who fight me, take a weapon and a shield and stand up to help me.”

And, having finished the prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spyridon 9, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, dried his tears and began to encourage his squad, saying: “God is not in power, but in truth. Let us remember the Songmaker, who said: “Some with weapons, and others on horses, we will call on the name of the Lord our God; They, defeated, fell, but we resisted and stand upright”” 10. Having said this, he went against the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the Holy Trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the great prince Yaroslav, did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send news to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he came out against them on Sunday, July fifteenth, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.

And there was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora 11, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with the night watch at sea. He was baptized and lived among his family, the pagans, and his name was given in holy baptism Philip, and he lived godly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, which is why God deigned him to see a wonderful vision on that day. Let's tell you briefly.

Having learned about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about the enemy’s camps. He stood on the seashore, watching both routes, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one nasad 12 floating on the sea, and standing in the middle of the nasad were the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes, holding their hands on each other’s shoulders. The rowers sat as if covered in darkness. Boris said:

“Brother Gleb, tell us to row, so we can help our relative Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the attack disappeared from his eyes.

Soon after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince told him: “Don’t tell this to anyone.”

After that, Alexander hastened to attack the enemies at six o'clock in the afternoon, and there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed countless numbers of them, and on the face of the king himself he left the mark of his sharp spear.

Six brave men, like him, from Alexander’s regiment showed themselves here.

The first one is named Gavrilo Oleksich. He attacked the auger 13 and, seeing the prince being dragged by the arms, rode all the way to the ship along the gangplank along which they ran with the prince, pursued by him. Then they grabbed Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangplank along with his horse. But by God's mercy he emerged from the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the commander himself in the midst of their army.

The second, named Sbyslav Yakunovich, is from Novgorod. This one attacked their army many times and fought with one ax, having no fear in his soul; and many fell by his hand, and they marveled at his strength and courage.

The third - Yakov, a native of Polotsk, was a hunter for the prince. This one attacked the regiment with a sword, and the prince praised him.

The fourth is a Novgorodian named Mesha. This man on foot and his retinue attacked the ships and sank three ships.

The fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava. This one burst into the large royal golden-domed tent and cut down the tent pole. The Alexandrov regiments, seeing the fall of the tent, rejoiced.

The sixth is one of Alexander's servants, named Ratmir. This one fought on foot, and many enemies surrounded him. He fell from many wounds and died that way.

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who participated in this battle at that time.

Pelgusy says
Alexander Yaroslavich about his vision.
Miniature from the front vault of the 16th century.

There was a wondrous miracle at that time, as in the days of old under Hezekiah the king. When Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to Jerusalem, wanting to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and when they got up in the morning, they found only dead corpses 14 . This was the case after Alexandrov’s victory: when he defeated the king, on the opposite side of the Izhora River, where Alexandrov’s regiments could not pass, here they found a countless number of those killed by the angel of the Lord. Those who remained fled, and the corpses of their dead soldiers were thrown into ships and sank them into the sea. Prince Alexander returned in victory, praising and glorifying the name of his creator.

In the second year after Prince Alexander returned with victory, they again came from the Western Country and built a city on the land of Alexandrova 15. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged them, some, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, released them, for he was immeasurably merciful.

After Alexandrova’s victory, when he defeated the king, in the third year, in winter, he went with great force to the land of Pskov, for the city of Pskov had already been taken by the Germans. And the Germans came to Lake Peipus, and Alexander met them, and prepared for battle, and they went against each other, and Lake Peipus was covered with many of these and other warriors. Alexander's father, Yaroslav, sent his younger brother Andrei with a large squad to help him. And Prince Alexander had many brave warriors, like King David in ancient times, strong and steadfast. So Alexander’s men were filled with the spirit of war, because their hearts were like the hearts of lions, and they exclaimed: “O our glorious prince! Now the time has come for us to lay down our heads for you.” Prince Alexander raised his hands to the sky and said: “Judge me, God, judge my quarrel with the unrighteous people and help me, Lord, as in ancient times he helped Moses overcome Amalek 16, and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk” 17.

It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents met. And there was a cruel slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake was moving, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

And I heard this from an eyewitness who told me that he saw the army of God in the air, coming to the aid of Alexander. And so he defeated the enemies with the help of God, and they fled, but Alexander cut them down, driving them as if through the air, and they had nowhere to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho 18. And the one who said: “Let us capture Alexander,” God gave into the hands of Alexander. And there has never been an opponent worthy of him in battle. And Prince Alexander returned with a glorious victory, and there were many captives in his army, and they led barefoot next to the horses of those who call themselves “God’s knights.”

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots and priests and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord Prince Alexander, singing a song to him: “You, Lord, helped the meek David to defeat the foreigners and our faithful prince with the weapon of faith to liberate the city of Pskov from foreigners by the hand of Alexandrova.”

And Alexander said: “O ignorant Pskovites! If you forget this before the great-grandchildren of Alexander, then you will become like the Jews, whom the Lord fed in the desert with manna from heaven and baked quails, but they forgot all this and their God, who delivered them from captivity in Egypt.”

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 19 and to the great Rome.

At the same time, the Lithuanian people gained strength and began to plunder the Alexandrov possessions. He went out and beat them. One day he happened to go out against the enemies, and he defeated seven regiments in one ride and killed many of their princes, and took others prisoner; His servants, mocking, tied them to the tails of their horses. And from that time on they began to fear his name.

Stamps of Alexander Nevsky

At the same time, there was a strong king in the eastern country, 20 to whom God subjugated many nations from the east to the west. That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent ambassadors to him and said: “Alexander, do you know that God has conquered many nations to me. So, are you the only one who doesn’t want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come to me quickly and you will see the glory of my kingdom.”

After the death of his father, Prince Alexander came to Vladimir in great strength. And his arrival was menacing, and news of him rushed to the mouth of the Volga. And the women of Moab 21 began to frighten their children, saying: “Here comes Alexander!”

Prince Alexander decided to go to the Tsar in the Horde, and Bishop Kirill blessed him. And King Batu saw him and was amazed, and said to his nobles: “They told me the truth, that there is no prince like him.” Having honored him with dignity, he released Alexander.

After this, Tsar Batu became angry with his younger brother Andrei and sent his governor Nevryuy to destroy the land of Suzdal 22. After the devastation of the land of Suzdal by Nevruy, the great Prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, and gathered the dispersed people into their homes. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: “A good prince in countries is quiet, friendly, meek, humble - and in this way he is like God.” Without being seduced by wealth, without forgetting the blood of the righteous, he judges orphans and widows with justice, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God helps such people, for God does not love angels, but people, in his generosity he generously bestows and shows his mercy in the world.

God filled Alexander's land with wealth and glory, and God extended his days.

One day, ambassadors from the Pope came to him from great Rome 23 with the following words: “Our Pope says this: “We heard that you are a worthy and glorious prince and your land is great. That’s why they sent to you the two smartest of the twelve cardinals - Agaldad and Gemont, so that you could listen to their speeches about the law of God.”

Prince Alexander, having thought with his sages, wrote him the following answer: “From Adam to the flood, from the flood to the division of nations, from the confusion of nations to the beginning of Abraham, from Abraham to the passage of the Israelites through the sea, from the exodus of the children of Israel to the death of King David , from the beginning of the reign of Solomon until Augustus and until the birth of Christ, from the birth of Christ until his crucifixion and resurrection, from his resurrection and ascension into heaven until the reign of Constantine, from the beginning of the reign of Constantine until the first council and the seventh 24 - all this is good we know, but we will not accept teaching from you.” They returned home.

And the days of his life multiplied in great glory, for he loved priests, and monks, and beggars, and he revered and listened to metropolitans and bishops as to Christ himself.

In those days there was great violence from non-believers; they persecuted Christians, forcing them to fight on their side. The great prince Alexander went to the king to pray his people out of this misfortune.

And he sent his son Dmitry to the Western countries, and sent all his regiments with him, and his close household members, saying to them:

“Serve my son as you serve me with all your life.” And Prince Dmitry went in great strength, and conquered the German land, and took the city of Yuryev, and returned to Novgorod with many prisoners and with great booty 25.

His father, Grand Duke Alexander, returned from the Horde from the Tsar and reached Nizhny Novgorod, and fell ill there, and, arriving in Gorodets, fell ill. Oh woe to you, poor man! How can you describe the death of your master! How will your eyes not fall out along with your tears! How can your heart not be torn out by the roots! For a man can leave his father, but he cannot leave a good master; If it were possible, I would go to the grave with him.

Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on the angelic image. God vouchsafed him to accept a greater rank - schema. And so in peace he gave up his spirit to God in the month of November on the fourteenth day, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip.

Metropolitan Kirill said: “My children, know that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set.” Priests and deacons, monks, poor and rich and all the people exclaimed: “We are already perishing!”

The holy body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, the princes and boyars, and all the people, small and large, met him in Bogolyubovo with candles and censers. People crowded, trying to touch his holy body on his honest bed. There was a cry, a groan, and a cry like never before, even the earth shook. His body was laid in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos, in the Great Archimandrite on the 26th month of November on the 24th day, in memory of Holy Father Amphilochius.

Alexander Nevsky and Earl Birger.
Miniature from the front vault of the 16th century.

There was a miracle then, wonderful and worthy of memory. When his holy body was laid in the tomb, then Sebastian the Economist and Cyril the Metropolitan wanted to unclench his hand in order to insert a spiritual letter 27. He, as if alive, stretched out his hand and accepted the letter from the hand of the metropolitan. And confusion seized them, and they barely retreated from his tomb. Metropolitan and Housekeeper Sevastian announced this to everyone. Who wouldn’t be surprised by that miracle, because his body was dead, and it was brought from distant lands in winter.

And so God glorified his saint.

Notes

1 Tributary - from the word “parable” - the biblical king Solomon, known for the allegorical form of his stories.
2 Theodosia, the mother of Alexander Nevsky, was for a long time considered the daughter of the famous prince Mstislav the Udal. In fact, the daughter of Udaly was the second wife of Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, and Feodosia was the third.
3 Titus Flavius ​​Vespasian (9-79) - Roman emperor. As a commander under Nero, he conquered almost all of Judea in two years. The following tells about Vespasian's siege of the fortress of Joatapata during the Jewish War (66-73). The episode was well known in the Russian book community from numerous adaptations of Josephus’s book “The Jewish War.”
4 Western country - Livonia.
5 Servants of God are knights of the order.
6 According to biblical legend, the queen of the South Arabian state of Sheba, having heard enough about Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom, decided to personally verify the authenticity of the rumors and made a trip to Solomon’s capital, Jerusalem.
7 Andrei von Felten - Master of the Livonian Order.
8 The king of the country of the Roman (Catholic faith) from the northern land is the Swedish king Erik Erikson (Bursty). In the campaign of 1240, the Swedish army was led, according to Russian chronicles, not by him, but by his son-in-law, Earl Birger.
9 Novgorod Archbishop Spiridon (1229-1249).
10 The Songmaker - this refers to the biblical king David, who is credited with the authorship of one of the books of the Bible - the Psalter, consisting of one hundred and fifty psalms (songs).
11 The Izhora land was located in the Neva region and was subordinate to Novgorod; part of its population converted to Christianity. The name of the “elder” in handwritten texts is conveyed in different but recognizable versions.
12 Nasad - a type of river vessel.
13 Auger - type of vessel.
14 Hezekiah - according to the Bible, the thirteenth king of Judah, the son of Ahab. During his reign, the Assyrian king Sennacherib captured all of Judea, leaving only Jerusalem unconquered. According to biblical legend, during the siege of Jerusalem the miracle mentioned in the text happened.
15 The Koporye fortress, not far from the Gulf of Finland, was built by the Livonians in 1241 on land belonging to Novgorod.
16 Moses is a biblical prophet who, according to legend, led the Israelites out of Egypt. On their way to Palestine, Amalek, the leader of the Amalekites who occupied the lands between Egypt and Palestine, resisted the Israelites. It was only thanks to the miraculous effect of Moses' prayer that Amalek was not able to achieve victory.
17 Yaroslav Vladimirovich the Wise took revenge on Svyatopolk the Accursed for the murder of the brothers Boris and Gleb. In 1019, on the Alta River, where Boris was killed, Yaroslav defeated the army of Svyatopolk.
18 According to biblical legend, the fortress walls of Jericho, one of the oldest cities in Palestine, collapsed from the screams and sound of trumpets of the Israeli army besieging them, led by Joshua.
19 Khonuzhskoe and Varyazhskoe - Caspian and Baltic seas.
20 This refers to Batu Khan. Alexander went to see him much later, in 1246-1247.
21 The Moabites were a tribe hostile to the Israelites, living in Palestine, descendants of Lot. Here: Tatars.
22 Nevryu’s invasion of the Vladimir-Suzdal land took place in 1252. The Khan of the Golden Horde at that time was no longer Batu, but Sartak.
23 Apparently, we are talking about one of the attempts of Pope Innocent IV to subjugate Rus' to the Catholic Vatican: for the transition to Catholicism, Innocent IV promised to help Rus' in the fight against the Horde.
24 The first ecumenical council was in 325, the seventh in 787 in Nicaea.
25 Nothing is known about the results of Alexander’s trip to the Horde, although perhaps he managed to avoid sending military contingents to the Tatars, since the regiments were near Yuryev.
26 Alexander Nevsky was buried in the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vladimir. To mid-16th century V. The Nativity Monastery was considered the first monastery of Rus', the “great archimandrite.”
27 During the burial ceremony, a prayer of permission is read for the forgiveness of sins. After reading, the text was placed in a coffin.0

Brief recap:

Prince Alexander was the son of Grand Duke Yaroslav. His mother's name was Feodosia. Alexander was taller than others, his voice was like a trumpet, and his face was beautiful. He was strong, wise and brave.

A noble man from the Western country named Andreyash specially came to see Prince Alexander. Returning to his people, Andreyash said that he had never met a person like Alexander.

Hearing about this, the king of the Roman faith from the Midnight Country wanted to conquer the land of Alexander, came to the Neva and sent his ambassadors to Novgorod to Alexander with the notification that he, the king, was taking his land captive.

Alexander prayed in the Church of St. Sophia, accepted a blessing from Bishop Spiridon and went against the enemies with a small squad. Alexander did not even have time to send a message to his father, and many Novgorodians did not have time to join the campaign.

The elder of the land of Izhora, who bore the name Pelugiy (in holy baptism - Philip), Alexander was entrusted with sea patrol. Having scouted out the strength of the enemy army, Pelugius went to meet Alexander to tell him everything. At dawn, Pelugius saw a boat sailing on the sea, and on it were the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb. They said that they were going to help their relative Alexander.

Having met Alexander, Pelugius told him about the vision. Alexander ordered not to tell anyone about this.

Prince Alexander entered into battle with the Latins and wounded the king himself with a spear. Six warriors especially distinguished themselves in the battle: Tavrilo Oleksich, Sbyslav Yakunovich, Jacob, Misha, Savva and Ratmir.

The corpses of the killed Latins were also found on the other side of the Izhora River, where Alexander’s army could not pass. An angel of God interrupted them. The remaining enemies fled, and the prince returned victorious.

The next year, the Latins again came from the Western Country and built a city on Alexander's land. Alexander immediately razed the city, executed some enemies, took others prisoner, and pardoned others.

In the third year, in winter, Alexander himself went to German soil with a large army. After all, the enemies have already taken the city of Pskov. Alexander liberated Pskov, but many German cities formed an alliance against Alexander.

The battle took place on Lake Peipus. The ice there was covered with blood. Eyewitnesses spoke of the army of God in the air, which helped Alexander.

When the prince returned in victory, the clergy and residents of Pskov solemnly greeted him at the city walls.

The Lithuanians began to ravage the Alexandrov volosts, but Alexander defeated their troops, and from then on they began to fear him.

At that time, there was a strong king in the Eastern country. He sent ambassadors to Alexander and ordered the prince to come to him in the Horde. After the death of his father, Alexander came to Vladimir with a large army. The news of the formidable prince spread across many lands. Alexander, having received a blessing from Bishop Kirill, went to the Horde to see Tsar Batu. He gave him honors and released him.

Tsar Batu was angry with Andrei, the Suzdal prince (Alexander's younger brother), and his governor Nevruy ruined the Suzdal land. After this, Grand Duke Alexander restored the cities and churches.

Ambassadors from the Pope came to Alexander. They said that Pope Alexander had sent two cardinals who would tell him about the law of God. But Alexander replied that the Russians know the law, but do not accept teaching from the Latins.

At that time the king of Eastern country forced Christians to go on campaigns with him. Alexander came to the Horde to persuade the king not to do this. And he sent his son Dmitry to Western countries. Dmitry took the city of Yuryev and returned to Novgorod.

And Prince Alexander fell ill on the way back from the Horde. He took monasticism before his death, became a schema monk, and died on November 14th.

Alexander's body was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, priests and all the people met him in Bogolyubovo. There were screams and crying.

The prince was laid to rest in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Metropolitan Kirill wanted to unclench Alexander’s hand in order to place a letter in it. But the deceased himself extended his hand and took the letter... The Metropolitan and his housekeeper Sebastian spoke about this miracle.

The life of Alexander Nevsky is not complete and systematic. stated biography of the prince, but describes only the most significant events of his life(victory over the Swedes at the mouth of Izhora, the defeat of the Germans on Lake Peipus, the prince’s trip to the Horde). In the Life “there is not even a coherent story: the content represents a short series of fragmentary memories, individual episodes from the life of Alexander” (Klyuchevsky), the author describes “precisely such features that depict not the historical activity of the famous prince..., but his personality and deep impression, what he produced for his contemporaries..."

The life belongs to the princely lives, and therefore is significant in the narrative secular element. The monument was created during the years of Tatar rule, and the text tells the story of a Russian prince who, in difficult times for Rus', achieved significant victories over its western neighbors and at the same time managed to achieve relative independence from the Horde.

"Before battle on the Neva, which gave Alexander Yaroslavich his nickname - Nevsky, he goes to church and prays to God with tears. Coming out, he instructs the squad: “God is not in power, but in righteousness. And let us remember the hymn-speaker David: these are in arms, these are on horses, but in the name of the Lord our God we will call upon you to sleep and fall.” And in fact, the quantitative advantage is on the enemy’s side, since there is no longer time to turn to Alexander’s father, Prince Yaroslav, for help. Before the battle, one of the warriors had a vision - a ship on which Boris and Gleb were standing. And Boris says to Gleb: “Brother Gleb, tell us to row, so we can help our relative Grand Duke Alexander Yaroslavich.” In the battle itself, heavenly forces help Alexander win. At the same time, however, the course of the battle itself is described and the warriors who distinguished themselves in this battle are even named.

Another battle is described in the Life - the famous Ice battle what happened on the ice Lake Ladoga: “And there was a slash of evil and a coward from a spear and a breaking and sound from a sword’s cut, as if the frozen sea was moving; you couldn’t see the ice, it was covered in blood.” The battle ends with victory and a prayer of thanks.

Such an episode is also described in the Life. An embassy from the pope arrives to Alexander, but he refuses: “We will not accept teachings from you.” Returning from the Horde, where he managed to obtain permission from the Russians not to serve in the Tatar troops, the prince became mortally ill. Before his death, he becomes a monk. When Metropolitan Kirill wants to place a spiritual letter in the hand of the buried prince, he himself, as if alive, stretches out his hand for it. “And there was great fear and horror for everyone.” This miracle confirms the holiness of Alexander."

About the genre "Life".

“Correct living” was characterized by unhurried third person narration; sometimes a deviation was allowed: the author addressed the reader, praise on his own behalf to the saint. Compositionally 3 parts were required: introduction, life itself, conclusion. In the introduction, the author must ask forgiveness from readers for his inability to write, for the rudeness of his presentation, etc. In conclusion there should be praise to the saint - a kind of ode in prose (the most important part of life, which required great literary art).

In J. a lot of canonical, traditional for this genre. 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, his contemporaries knew this well. In Zh., a mature husband is depicted, 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 , staggering from madness,” 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.” The prince’s speech addressed to the squad is beautiful, laconic, stern. , courageous: “God is not in power, but in righteousness.”

Alexander is decisive, brave and Battle of Lake Peipsi. 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, which help to imagine how cruel the slaughter was: “It seemed that a frozen lake was moving, 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 they are like a prince and his warriors. Author Zh. includes in his 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, Savva 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 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 J., 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 elevate him 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 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.
Excited and lyrical story about the death of the prince. 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!”

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 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 great prince Alexander.” I. P. Eremin called Zh. “an enthusiastic tribute to the blessed memory of the prince.” 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 Zh., his scholarship. Among the literary sources consulted by the compiler are Josephus’s “History of the Jewish War,” “Chronographic Alexandria,” and “The Deed of Devgenius.” D. S. Likhachev believes that Zh. continues the South Russian literary traditions, revealing similarities in style with the biography of Daniil Galitsky from the Galician Chronicle. It is believed that he was directly related to the compilation of Alexander’s biography Metropolitan Kirill, who in 1250 moved from the south, from Daniil, to Alexander Nevsky.

J. Alexander Nevsky, written in the 80s. 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, J. became a model for princely biographies and military stories.

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, it is of a regional nature. 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 thrust 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 in the life that is canonical and traditional for this genre. 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.”

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Introduction.

Every nation has its own national heroes who are loved, honored and remembered. Legends, songs, tales are written about them. Their names remain for centuries, and their moral character is not only not erased in the memory of their descendants, but, on the contrary, becomes brighter and lighter over time. Those of them, whose life was illuminated with an aura of holiness, and whose deeds and service to the people were pleasing to God, are even more revered on Earth. People turn to them for help in difficult years of trials. Such a national hero people's defender, a sacred figure in the history of our country, in the people’s memory the Holy Blessed One was and remains Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. He courageously and victoriously fought against Western enemies, prudently and intelligently protected his people from the predatory Tatars. Among the difficult princely affairs, the pious prince did not forget his Christian duties: he helped widows and orphans, to the common people, he donated a lot of silver and gold to the Horde, and redeemed many unfortunates from the grave Tatar captivity.

This year, in literature lessons, we became acquainted with “The Tale of the Life and Courage of Alexander Nevsky.” Previously, I knew about this man only as a brave warrior who won the battle on the Neva and Lake Peipsi. And he was completely unaware that the Russian Church had canonized him. I wanted to know more about this person, but my literature teacher did not help me with this. For me, this topic is relevant, because... I know that the personality of Alexander Nevsky to this day is a model of courage and fearlessness for many generations of Russians.

This is how our project was born, target which is to see through the text of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” the image of Alexander as his contemporaries knew and perceived him.

Tasks:

Study the text of “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Noble and Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky.”

To identify how the features of a military story and the hagiographic genre are combined in “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky.”

Analyze the means of verbal expression in “The Tale...” and identify those with the help of which the 13th century author recreates the personality of Alexander Nevsky.

Object of study - “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky”

Subject of research - speech characteristic main character of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky”, text of the work.

2. Main part

2.1 Features of a military story and the hagiographic genre in “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander”

First of all, we need to understand what genres are.

“Literary genre (from the French genre - genus, type) is the form in which the main types of literature are realized: epic, lyricism and drama, characterized by certain general plot and stylistic features. There are different genres of literary fiction: in epic - novel, story, short story, essay, fairy tale, epic, etc., in lyric poetry - poem, ode, elegy, etc., in drama - tragedy, comedy, drama, etc. Each literary genre. l. is characterized by a certain “genre content” (theme, issues, scope of coverage of the depicted world)”

“In ancient Russian literature, a system of genres was determined, within the framework of which the development of original Russian literature began. Genres in ancient Russian literature were distinguished according to slightly different characteristics than in the literature of modern times. The main thing in their definition was the “use” of the genre, the “practical purpose” for which this or that work was intended.

Chronographs told the history of the world; about the history of the fatherland - chronicles, monuments of historical writing and literature Ancient Rus', the narrative in which was conducted by year. They narrated the events of Russian and world history. There was an extensive literature of moralizing biographies—the lives of saints, or hagiography.”

As we see, ancient Russian literature developed its own specific genres: prayer, parable, life, teaching, story, military tale, word, circulation, chronicle, which includes small genre forms - tales, instructions and legends.

As the title suggests, “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander” is a synthesis of two genres - the life and the military story. Let's look at the genre features of each of them. Life - description life of a saint. In ancient Russian literature, the image of Christ was put forward as a model of human behavior. The hero of the life follows this pattern in his life. The Life, as a rule, describes how a saint becomes such by going through a series of trials.

As a rule, the life reports on the main events of the life of the saint, his Christian deeds (pious life, martyrdom, if any), as well as special evidence of the divine grace with which this person was noted (these include lifelong and posthumous miracles)

The lives of saints are written according to special rules (canons):

it is believed that the birth of a child marked by grace most often occurs in the family of pious parents; most often a saint with early years leads a strict, righteous life; in the process of his life, the saint gains wisdom, goes through a series of temptations and defeats them; the saint could predict his death because he felt it; after death his body remained incorruptible.

Military story- a genre of ancient Russian literature, widespread in the 11th–17th centuries. The basis of the military story is the image historical event associated with the heroic struggle of the people against external enemies. The patriotic pathos of the narrative is combined with a journalistic assessment of what is happening, epicness with excited lyricism. The central character of a military story is usually a real historical figure presented as an ideal Christian warrior. How did it happen that the features of two genres were combined in one work? I learned that the genre of hagiography began to develop during the era of the beginning of the Mongol-Tatar yoke. The heroes of the works were not only saints, apostles, martyrs, but also people who defended Rus' and the faith from infidel enemies. “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander” appeared around 1283, its author is unknown, but it is known that it was written in the Nativity Monastery. This work was created even before the canonization of Alexander Nevsky and was originally a secular biography. Perhaps because of this ambiguity, the life combined two genres - life and military tale.

Compositionally, the work has a hagiographic macrostructure - it consists of 3 parts. The first part is an introduction (self-deprecation is used, the author says that he knew Nevsky as an adult, that he writes with a pure soul). The second part is the central part. The episodes of the central narrative in the life are connected chronologically and represent the most important, from the point of view of the creator of the work, actions of Alexander: the liberation of Koporye and Pskov from the Germans; The Battle of the Ice, the story of which is presented in the form of a military story of an informative type, and the description of the battle is given in military formulas; the prince’s trip to Batu at his request, information about which is legendary; revival of the land after the invasion of Nevruy; refusal to receive Roman ambassadors who wanted to teach the prince their faith. The third part is the conclusion. The last part of the narrative consists of a story about Alexander’s death during his return from his second trip to the Horde, a message about the Suzdal people’s farewell to him, the words of Metropolitan Kirill, who called the prince “the sun of the Suzdal land,” and a miracle with a “spiritual letter” that occurred at the time of burial.

As we can see, in its artistic appearance, “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” differs from previous works of the genre in its pronounced combination of features of a military story and life.

2.2. The image of Alexander Nevsky in “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Noble and Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky”

“The Tale...” was written in the Nativity Monastery in Vladimir, where the prince was buried. According to the assumption of D. S. Likhachev, the author of this work was a Galician scribe, and the time of the appearance of the “Tale” should be attributed to the period between 1263 - 1280.

Compilation full biography Prince Alexander was not part of the author’s tasks. The content of life is summary the main, from the author's point of view, episodes of his life, which make it possible to recreate the heroic image of the prince, preserved in the memory of his contemporaries: the prince - a warrior, a valiant commander and an intelligent politician.

“I, pitiful and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy Prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself witnessed his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, honest, and glorious life,” - this is how the author of “The Tale” begins his leisurely narrative. The author maintains the traditional introduction and begins the main part with a mention of Alexander’s pious parents, as was customary.

The Novgorod hero was of the same name as Alexander the Great, similar to the “king” Achilles, as well as the biblical heroes Joseph, Samson, Solomon, and the Roman emperor Vespasian: “His face is like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king made the second king in Egypt, and his strength was part of the strength of Samson, and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon, and his courage was like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered the entire land of Judea.”

But if each of them was distinguished mainly by one trait (strength, beauty, wisdom, courage), then the personality of Prince Alexander was reflected All best qualities human: strength, beauty, wisdom, courage. It is very rare for a person in power to possess these qualities. Before us is the prince - Prince to all princes

The author, emphasizing the wisdom of Alexander Nevsky, gives another argument: “One of the eminent men of the Western country, one of those who call themselves servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength... So this one, named Andreas, having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his own people and said: “I went through countries and peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes.”

In the personality of the prince, despite his high position, we observe amazing qualities of character. It is known that a person’s character is formed through trials. And then the actions in “The Tale...” unfold, as the canon defines, from episodes reflecting the most significant exploits of the main character.

The first and most important fragment is the story of Alexander’s battle with the Swedes on the Neva. The motivation for the events is legendary in nature and is associated with the characterization of the hero mentioned above. The author talks about a certain Andreyash, a foreigner, who, having seen Alexander Yaroslavich, praised him in his country. Then the king of this country decided to measure his strength with him and went to war against him. The enemy is full of confidence in his abilities: “he has gathered great strength,” “burning with the military spirit,” “intoxicated with madness,” he sends ambassadors to Alexander with the words: “If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and am destroying your land.”

And the prince at that time had a small squad, and there was nowhere to expect help. But there is a strong faith in God’s help. Alexander went to the Church of St. Sophia, “fell on his knee before the altar and began to pray to God with tears.” “He remembered the psalm song and said: “Judge, O Lord, and judge my quarrel with those who offend me, overcome those who fight with me.” Having finished the prayer and received the blessing of Archbishop Spiridon, the prince, strengthened in spirit, went out to his squad. Encouraging her, instilling courage in her and infecting her with his own example, Alexander said to the Russians:“God is not in power, but in righteousness.” With a small squad, Prince Alexander met the enemy, fought fearlessly, knowing that he was fighting for a just cause, protecting native land. We see the courage of Alexander, who has only just turned 20 years old. Already in this episode he appears before us as a warrior-commander.

At the same time, in this part there is an element characteristic of that era, to a greater extent, not of a military story, but of a life - the vision of Boris and Gleb to the warrior Alexander Peluga, which foreshadows victory in a future battle: “He stood on the seashore, observing both paths , and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one boat floating on the sea, and standing in the middle of the boat were the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes, holding their hands on each other’s shoulders. The rowers sat as if covered in darkness. Boris said: “Brother Gleb, tell us to row, and let us help our relative Prince Alexander.” Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugui stood in trepidation until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.”

Alexander asked not to tell anyone about this; we see that the prince appears in this fragment as a wise ruler. “And he decided to attack the enemies at six o’clock in the afternoon. And there was a strong battle with the Romans; He beat countless enemies and wounded the king himself in the face with his sharp spear.” In this episode the prince- experienced commander. He is decisive, quick-witted, dexterous . Then the author dwells on the exploits of six Novgorod warriors of Alexander, calling each by name and talking about his deeds. Such a prince and warriors are miracle heroes. Mutual understanding and unity lead the Russians to victory.

Along with the specific description of events characteristic of a military story, an element characteristic of hagiographies also appears in this part - a story about a miracle beyond the Izhora River, where the Swedes stood, where Russian soldiers could not pass and where after the battle they found many enemies “killed by the angel of the Lord "

Thus, this fragment of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” as a whole represents a military story of an event-narrative type, interspersed with two “small genres” that were widely used in lives: vision and miracle.

The battle on Lake Peipsi with the German knights on April 5, 1242 is depicted in the traditional manner of military stories: “And there was a cruel slaughter, and there was a crackling sound from breaking spears and a ringing sound from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake had moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood."

In fact, Alexander showed extraordinary military leadership talent in this battle, unraveling the tactical plan of his enemies.

From Pskov to the north lies Pskov Lake, and further north lies Lake Peipus. They are connected by a wide channel. The Crusaders are located to the west of the lakes. Alexander decided to move back and build his regiments between the lakes. Here on snowy ice, the crusaders must accept Alexander's challenge. The entire army is built in the form of a wedge: its tip is knights dressed in armor, knights are on the sides of the wedge, and inside this movable armor is infantry. Alexander's army was mostly on foot. And Alexander decided: the middle regiment would consist of militia - townspeople and villagers, armed with spears, axes, knives; experienced warriors, well-armed, will stand on the flanks, and horse squads will also be stationed there. The wedge will easily crush the middle regiment. The knights will consider that the main job has already been done, but at this time they are attacked from the flanks by powerful warriors. Behind the middle regiment, Alexander ordered to place a sleigh on which weapons, armor and food were carried. Behind the sleigh, behind this artificial barrier, a shore began, strewn with large boulders - a natural barrier. Between stones and sleighs, you can’t even ride a horse. But a militiaman, dressed in light armor, will act deftly among obstacles. This is how Alexander Nevsky prepared victory for his army.

In this battle, more useful than personal example was the timely order of the commander. Alexander gave the sign to the regiments of his right and left hands to enter the battle. Mounted warriors attacked the enemy from the rear. Russian soldiers pulled the knights huddled together from their horses. The spring ice broke under the weight of those fighting, the knights drowned in holes and gaps. To the opposite bank of the channel, the ice was strewn with the bodies of enemies. Thus ended the battle. Already in the summer, ambassadors from the order arrived in Novgorod and asked Alexander eternal peace. Peace was concluded. They say that it was then that Alexander uttered words that became prophetic on Russian soil: “Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword!”

This battle brought him glory: “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.” The fame of Alexander Nevsky began to spread throughout all countries. All his battles and victories were only in the name of saving the Russian people.

The prince appears before us not only as a warrior - a prince. From the “Tale...” we learn that “the great Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, gathered people who had been dispersed into their homes. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: “A good prince in countries is quiet, friendly, meek, humble - and in this way he is like God.” Without being seduced by wealth, without forgetting the blood of the righteous, he judges orphans and widows with justice, is merciful, kind to his household and hospitable to those who come from foreign countries. God helps such people, for God does not love angels, but in his generosity he generously gifts people and shows his mercy in the world.” A wise ruler stands before us - friendly, caring, merciful. The glorification of Alexander, the defender of Orthodoxy, is dedicated in the life of the story about the arrival of papal ambassadors to Rus'. Alexander rejects their offer to accept Catholicism, and in this the author of the life sees the triumph of the national policy of the Russian prince.

After accomplishing a feat of arms in the battle with the West, he had to accomplish the feat of humility before the power of the East. “Alexander Nevsky could, showing special organizational and diplomatic abilities, concede more strong enemy to save your people from needless sacrifices."

The author of “The Tale...” succinctly reports about the decision taken Alexander Nevsky to go to the Horde and ask the khan to free Russian soldiers from participating in the campaigns of the Tatar troops: “In those days there was great violence from non-believers, they persecuted Christians, forcing them to fight on their side. The great prince Alexander went to the king to pray for his people from this misfortune.”

Batu releases Alexander: “And King Batu saw him, and was amazed, and said to his nobles: “They told me the truth, that there is no prince like him.” Having honored him with dignity, he released Alexander.” The author tells us that on the way from the Horde the prince fell ill. But before writing about his death, he pours out his feelings in a sorrowful exclamation: “Oh woe to you, poor man! How can you describe the death of your master!” . The story ends with a “wonderful” and “memorable” miracle that happened during the prince’s burial. When the Metropolitan wanted to place a spiritual letter in the prince’s hand, Alexander, as if alive, extended his hand and took it himself.

The final part of the “Tale...” includes the genre of lamentation. The story, having reported the death of the prince, ends with the traditional lament of the people, the author.

Having carefully read the “Tale...” we found in the text episodes demonstrating Prince Alexander, on the one hand, as a glorious commander, on the other, as a righteous (living in truth, fulfilling Christian commandments) ruler. In our opinion, the goal of this work- to glorify the courage and bravery of Alexander, to give the image of an ideal Christian warrior, defender of the Russian land.

Many of the mentioned character traits of Alexander Nevsky are more appropriate in a military story than in a life, since they emphasize the worldly, rather than religious virtues of Alexander: courage, determination, leadership, strength and bravery in battle, care for his people - and only then hope to the rescue higher powers, loyalty to Orthodoxy. In other words, the main character of the hagiography acquires features characteristic of the image of a positive hero-prince in military stories, while at the same time the main way of depicting him remains the idealization characteristic of the hagiography.

According to I.P. Eremin, Alexander “appears before us in the image of either a king-military leader of biblical antiquity, or a brave knight of a book epic, or an iconographic “righteous man.” This somewhat motley stylistic outfit, in which the author of the life sometimes dresses his hero, is another enthusiastic tribute on his part to the blessed memory of the late prince.”

2.3 Linguistic features of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky”

The personality of Alexander Nevsky made a charming impression on everyone who saw him. The secret of his charm lay not only in his wisdom, courage, external beauty, but also into something higher, which irresistibly attracted him.

The very first characteristic of Alexander Nevsky is given in the title of the work. “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander” already contains two epithets. What is the meaning of the word "blessed"? This word, as we see, consists of two bases - “good” and “faith”. Good is goodness, well-being, therefore, “believer” is faithful to good, faithful to something good.

At the very beginning of the “Tale...”, characterizing the hero, the author resorts not to description, but to the comparative method: his image is created using numerous comparisons. Alexander Nevsky is compared with various biblical heroes of the Old Testament - rulers who were the embodiment of the best human qualities - beauty, wisdom, strength, courage.

The language of the “Tale...” is very interesting; metaphors can be found in it: “the lake covered itself and moved.” This trope allows you to more clearly understand how many warriors there were during the battle on Lake Peipsi. The image of the prince, who “inflamed his heart” from the invasion of the enemy, “intoxicated with madness,” allows us to more clearly characterize Alexander Nevsky. Epithets serve the same purpose: “about his holy, honest, and glorious life”, “wonderful miracle”, the piety of the protagonist is also emphasized with the help of this trope. Alexander had “great faith in the holy martyrs.” The paraphrase also gives a complete description of Alexander Nevsky: “Metropolitan Kirill said: “My children, know that the sun has already set on the land of Suzdal!”

Creating a biography of his contemporary long before his canonization, the author of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” used as a model the tradition of lives - the only Old Russian genre, who gave a biography of the hero. But real life, which he described, required the involvement literary forms and means characteristic of the widespread and well-known genre of the author - the military story. That is why there are so many descriptions of battles, battles, and in them, naturally, Alexander Nevsky is also described. These, again, are epithets. Alexander gathered a strong army, where “there were many brave warriors,” they were filled with “the spirit of war.” And the comparison undoubtedly shows their courage: “for their hearts were like the hearts of lions.”

Undoubtedly, there is also the influence of military style, revealed in military formulas used in battle paintings: “The battle was cruel, and there was a crackling sound from breaking spears and a ringing sound from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake had moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered blood." Among the tropes we can highlight the hyperbole: “it was covered in blood.” The commander himself does not lag behind his soldiers, but seems to surpass them: “Alexander cut them down, driving them as if through the air, and they had nowhere to hide.” Thus, with the help of comparison, the author emphasizes the chosenness of the warrior-prince by God. And now in front of us bright image prince - protector, commander, warrior, saint.

The multi-union gives the narration a leisurely, lengthy battle over time: “Prince Alexander prepared for battle, and they went against each other, and Lake Peipus was covered with a multitude of these and other warriors.” “And there was a cruel slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake was moving, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.”

The rhetorical question is also found in the “Tale...”: “That king, having heard about such glory and courage of Alexander, sent envoys to him and said: “Alexander, do you know that God has conquered many nations to me. Well, you don’t want me alone.” submit?

Emotional tension reaches its highest point at the end of life with the help of a rhetorical exclamation: “Oh, woe to you, poor man! You cannot describe the death of your master! How can your eyes not fall out together with tears! How can your heart not break from bitter sadness! A man can forget his father, but he cannot forget a good sovereign; he would be ready to go to the grave with him alive!”

As we found out, the description of the valor of Prince Alexander and his squad does not leave readers indifferent. Promote depth of perception artistic techniques, used by the author (epithets, comparisons, metaphors, hyperboles, polyunions, opposition, rhetorical exclamations and rhetorical exclamations).

At the same time, the narrative is replete with biblical analogies, quotes, and literary parallels. The author constantly reminds the prince of heavenly protection, trying to show that “God looks upon such people.” The idea of ​​the sacredness of princely power determines the features artistic structure biography of Alexander Nevsky.

Military formulas, Church Slavonicisms and living language are used by the author together, which is the undoubted genre originality of the work.

3. Conclusion

“The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” dates back to the 80s of the 13th century. The very title of the work defines its specificity: “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Blessed and Grand Duke Alexander” is a story about life, the main content of which was the feats of “bravery.” This work is a princely biography, combining the features of a life and a military story.

It opens with “glory” to the hero and ends with a cry for Alexander Nevsky. An eyewitness to those events is a kind of “portrait” of Alexander Nevsky.

Biblical comparisons and analogies have become one of the main elements of the artistic system of “The Tale...”; 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 elevate him to a biblical hero. Indications of help from above (the appearance of Boris and Gleb Pelgugiu before the Battle of the Neva, the miraculous deliverance from the Swedes by angels across the Izhora River, the help of God's regiment in the battle on Lake Peipus) convince Alexander of the special patronage of divine powers.

The very structure of “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” is a work of a complex nature: independent military stories are introduced as two episodes into the central hagiographic part, and they include genres characteristic of hagiographies - visions and miracles.

In the style of “The Tale...” there is also a place for the unusual - military formulas and living language are used by the author together, which is also a genre uniqueness of the work. And Biblical memories are combined with Russian historical legend, literary traditions - with real observations of the battle. All this gives “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” as literary work unique character.

Lifetime achievements are not all that the image of the Grand Duke is famous for. Prince Alexander was destined to find a second, afterlife. His name became a symbol of military valor. The aura of holiness that surrounded the prince made it possible to expect heavenly intercession from Nevsky. In 1547, he was included in the number of saints whose memory was celebrated in all churches of the Russian Church without exception. In 1724, by order of Peter I, the holy relics were installed in the Trinity Cathedral of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra, where they now rest.

Conclusions:

1. We studied the text of “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Noble and Great Alexander Nevsky.” The author of the “Tale...” similarly spoke about three exploits: the battle on the Neva with the Swedes (1240), the Battle of the Ice with the Germans on Lake Peipsi (1242), and the trip to the Horde.

We see that the first exploits of Alexander Nevsky are abusive, and the third is associated with self-sacrifice. Alexander Nevsky went to Khan Batu to pray that the Tatars would not force Russian people to carry out military service.

2. We found out that the “Tale...” combines elements of two genres - hagiography and military tale. Elements of life: the author’s self-abasement, pious parents, the image of a Christian is drawn (he refused Catholicism, pious addition), elements of the miraculous, lamentation at the death of the hero, an abundance of quotations and correlations from the Bible.

Elements of a military story: a story not of the prince’s entire life, but only of military victories, stable formulas are used to describe military actions, exaggeration of the hero’s physical qualities, glorification of his strength.

3. We found the answer to the question: what is remarkable about the image of Alexander Nevsky? In this we were helped by the “Tale...”, written by a person who personally knew this hero, who himself witnessed his mature age and is happy to tell “about his holy, honest, and glorious life.” The Tale glorifies Alexander as a commander and warrior, ruler and diplomat.

4. We analyzed the means of verbal expression in “The Tale...” and identified those with the help of which the 13th century author recreated the personality of Alexander Nevsky. The depth of perception is facilitated by the artistic techniques used by the author (epithets, comparisons, metaphors, hyperboles, polyunion, opposition, rhetorical exclamations and rhetorical exclamations).

4. References:

Big Soviet encyclopedia A military story. - [Electronic resource]. - Access mode. - https://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/bse/

Gumilyov L. N. Search for a fictional kingdom: (The Legend of the “State of Prester John”). - M., Nauka, 1970.

Eremin I.P. Life of Alexander Nevsky. In the book: Fictional prose of Kyiv Rus' XI-XIII centuries / Comp. lane and note. I. P. Eremina and D. S. Likhachev. M., 1957, p. 354-356;

Genres of Old Russian literature. - http://licey.net/free/

Genre originality of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky”. No. 24.- [Electronic resource].- Access mode.- https://studopedia.ru/nevskogo

The life and exploits of Alexander Nevsky. 3 exploits of Alexander Nevsky - [Electronic resource]. - Access mode. - http://fb.ru/article/

Kargalov V.V. Generals of the X - XVI centuries. -M.: DOSAAF, 1989.

Lurie Ya. S. Generalization of the chronicle of the XIV-XV centuries / Rep. ed. D. S. Likhachev. - Science, 1976

Dictionary of literary terms by S.P. Belokurova 2005- [Electronic resource]. -Access mode. - http://enc-dic.com/litved/Zhanr-literaturn-383

Application

Temple-chapel in the name of the blessed prince Alexander Nevskyin Voronezh

Literature lesson

The story of the life and courage of the noble and Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky" (2 hours)

Educational:

· Give an idea of ​​Alexander Nevsky as historical figure and hero work of art;

· Shape literary concepts: life, hagiography, personality, faithful.

Educational:

· Improve the ability to analyze a literary text and draw conclusions based on the analysis;

· Improve the ability of expressive reading and coherent statements;

· Practice skills comparative analysis historical material and works of art;

· Develop the skill of working with various sources of information for the purpose of searching and selecting required material;

· Form independent thinking.

Educational:

· Cultivate in the learning process such moral qualities: honesty, kindness, justice, sense of duty, mercy;

· Instill a love for literature and the history of your homeland.

Equipment: video from the Alexander Nevsky Institute)

Lesson type: repetition-summarizing.

May the descendants of the Orthodox of their native land know the past fate. They honor their great kings for their labors, for glory, for good... A.S. Pushkin

Lesson progress

I. Organizational moment.

II. Checking homework.

III. Studying a new topic.

1. “The Tale of the Life and Courage of the Noble and Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky” (Al-r Nevsky ca. 1220-1263).

Life - a description of the life of a saint. In ancient Russian literature, the image of Christ was put forward as a model of human behavior. The hero of the life follows this pattern in his life. The Life, as a rule, describes how a saint becomes such by going through a series of trials.

As a rule, in the life it is reported

· about the main events of the saint’s life,

· his Christian exploits (pious life, martyrdom, if any),

· as well as special evidence of divine grace with which this person was marked (these include lifelong and posthumous miracles)

The lives of saints are written according to special rules (canons):

o Thus, it is believed that the birth of a child marked by grace most often occurs in the family of pious parents (although there were cases when parents, guided, as it seemed to them, by good intentions, interfered with the feat of their children, condemned them)

o Most often, a saint from an early age leads a strict, righteous life (although sometimes repentant sinners also achieved holiness, for example, St. Mary of Egypt)

o In the course of his life, the saint gains wisdom, goes through a series of temptations and defeats them.

o The saint could predict his death because he felt it.

o After death his body remained incorruptible.

V. Reading the introductory article to “The Tale of the Life...” on pp. 18 - 19.

In 1237-1240 The Mongol-Tatar invasion fell on the Russian principalities, weakened by external and internal wars. The development of Russian literature was delayed and weakened. In the chronicles about this invasion, religious motives intensified: the events were understood as “the wrath of God” for “sins.”

At the very beginning of the Mongol-Tatar conquest, German and Swedish aggression, a desire arose in Russian literature to awaken the patriotic feelings of readers. In North-Eastern Rus', “The Tale of the Destruction of the Russian Land” and “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” are dedicated to this topic, which we will discuss in today’s lesson.

1) When was “The Tale of the Life of ... Al-ra Nevsky” written? (in the 80s of the 3rd century) The very title of the work defines its specificity: “Tales of the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander” - a story about life, the main content of which was the feats of “bravery”. - What is the purpose of this life? (To glorify the courage and bravery of Alexander, to give the image of an ideal Christian warrior, defender of the Russian land). 2) Who was it written by? (Scribe of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin in Vladimir)

3) Where was the body of Prince A. Nevsky buried? (here)

6) What feats of A. Nevsky did he talk about? (about 3 labors:

Battle of the Neva with the Swedes (1240),

About the Battle of the Ice (with the Germans on Lake Peipsi (1242),

About a trip to Horda.

7) How do the first 2 labors differ from the 3rd? (1-3 - abusive. 3rd self-sacrifice)

8) Why did A. Nevsky go to the khan? (to pray that the Tatars do not force Russian people to carry out military service)

9) What is the significance of “The Tale...” in the development of Russian literature?

They imitated her, followed her like a lit. sample

Her influence is reflected in many other princely lives and military stories.

What is the meaning of the word “faithful”?

Good - what is this? (Good, prosperity)

Blagoy - what is it? (Same as good. Good intention. Good impulses).

So, what kind of faithful is this? (Loyal to the good, faithful to something good. Defense of the Motherland, for example.)

Why is Alexander named Nevsky?

(He won the battle with the Swedes on the Neva River in 1240).

II. Analysis of the text “The Tale of the Life of ... Aleksandr Nevsky” Expressive reading based on the roles of fragments of “The Tale of the Life ... of Alexander Nevsky.”

Work on r/r: Checking dictionaries: reading words and expressions (in a chain), words characteristic of a given text that can be used today and that are “a thing of the past” and their explanations.

(Acts - (high) - actions, deed.

Battle (old) - battle.

Discord (obsolete) - quarrels, discord.)

1) Reading the introduction

§ What does the narrator call himself and what does he want to emphasize by this? How does he talk about being a contemporary of Alexander?

"Life" glorifies Alexander as a commander and warrior, ruler and diplomat. It opens with the “glory” of the hero, which is likened to the glory of all the world-famous heroes of antiquity.

§ Read the description of the prince’s appearance and his characteristics. What is the significance of this description? (the author not only shows the physical perfection of Prince Alexander, but also compares him with biblical heroes. But if each of them was distinguished mainly by one trait (strength, beauty, wisdom, courage), then in the personality of Prince Alexander all these qualities were found reflection.

§ Question 2 (p. 26) What heroes does the narrator liken the prince to? The Novgorod hero was the same name as Alexander the Great, similar to the “king” Achilles, as well as biblical heroes Joseph, Samson, Solomon, Roman Emperor Vespasian. All the best qualities of a person are reflected in the prince: strength, beauty, wisdom, courage).

§ Before the appearance of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky”, “The Tale of the Destruction of the Russian Land” was written. This is a kind of preface to the story about Alexander Nevsky. I want to read you a fragment:

“O bright and skillfully decorated Russian land! It is endowed with many wondrous beauties: many lakes, wondrous rivers, local springs, steep mountains, high hills, frequent oak groves, wonderful fields, various animals, countless birds, great mountains, wondrous villages, monastery vineyards, church churches and formidable princes, honest boyars, many nobles. You are filled with everything, Russian land, O Orthodox Christian faith...”

How does the author describe the Russian Land? The description of the Russian Land (nature, villages) is very beautiful. It is precisely such a beautiful, rich land that should have such a prince as Alexander Nevsky. And now he appears to save and liberate the Russian Land. In the personality of the prince, despite his high position, we observe amazing qualities of character.

2) It is known that a person’s character traits are especially clearly manifested in trials. What did Prince Alexander have to go through in his life? Question 3 (p. 26) What exploits does he talk about?

3) Page 26 “Be careful about the word”, question 1 (part 1)

4) Find in the text episodes that demonstrate Prince Alexander, on the one hand, as a glorious commander, on the other, as a righteous (living in truth, fulfilling Christian commandments) ruler.

Prince Alexander lived in terrible years. He had to defend Russian borders from foreigners. Despite his youth, as it is written in “Life...”, Prince Alexander “won everywhere, was invincible.” This speaks of him as a skillful, brave commander.

5) The king of the Midnight country heard these words, but, blinded by envy, maddened by pride, he took with him a large army and went against Alexander: “I’m already here, I want to capture your land - if you can, defend yourself.”

And the prince at that time had a small squad, and there was nowhere to expect help. But there is a strong faith in God’s help. Alexander went to the Church of St. Sophia, “fell on his knee before the altar and began to pray to God with tears.” “He remembered the psalm song and said: “Judge, O Lord, and judge my quarrel with those who offend me, overcome those who fight with me.” Having finished the prayer and received the blessing of Archbishop Spiridon, the prince, strengthened in spirit, went out to his squad. Encouraging her, instilling courage in her and infecting her with his own example, Alexander told the Russians: “God is not in power, but in truth.” With a small squad (Courage; warrior-commander), Prince Alexander met the enemy, fought fearlessly, knowing that he was fighting for a just cause, defending his native land.

6) Next episode: Someone Pelgusy, an elder of the Izhora land, told the prince a wondrous vision. (Slide: Saints Boris and Gleb). Alexander asked not to tell anyone about this (a wise ruler) “And he decided to attack the enemies at six o’clock in the afternoon. And there was a strong battle with the Romans; He beat countless enemies and wounded the king himself in the face with his sharp spear.” In this episode, the prince is an experienced commander. He is decisive, quick-witted, dexterous. Such a prince and warriors are miracle heroes. Mutual understanding and unity lead the Russians to victory.

7) the valor of the prince is emphasized, who “put a seal on the face of the king himself [Swedish prince Lespe] with his sharp spear” - p. 22.

8) “Life” highlights the main points of Alexander’s biography, connecting them with victorious battles and biblical reminiscences (memories) are combined here with Russian historical tradition, literary traditions - with real observations of the battle: “I saw the rising sun, and stepped on the wallpaper. And there was a slash of evil and a coward from the breaking spears and a sound from the slash of a sword, as if the frozen lake were to move; and you won’t see the ice, covered with blood” - “When the sun rose, both sides came together. And there was an evil slash, and a crack from the breaking of spears, and a sound from the cutting of swords, as if a frozen lake had moved. And the ice was not visible, for it was covered in blood” - page 23, below.

9) Page 26 “Let’s reflect on what we read,” question 3: What pictures do you see behind the narrator’s words: “It’s like a frozen lake has moved”?

10) Page 26 “Be attentive to the word,” question 1 (part 2) Who does Alexander call the “arrogant” people and who boasted: “Let us put the Slavic people to shame,” “Let us take Alexander with our hands” (German cities) - p. 23)?

11) Page 26 “Be careful about the word”, question 1 (part 2). Page 22. The exploits of six men, “brave and strong” (Gavrila Aleksich, Zbyslov Yakunovich, etc.) constitute interconnected episodes that have the nature of a retelling of an epic song that developed in the princely militia shortly after the battle and, obviously, on the initiative of the prince himself (“ I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who were then in that battle” - page 22, penultimate paragraph).

12) what was Alexander's last feat? Why did he go to the king? How is this talked about in the story? “To pray people away from that misfortune” so that the Tatars do not force Russian people to perform military service.

13) In what words and on whose behalf does the author describe the grief from the loss suffered by the land of Suzdal with the death of Alexander? (p. 25, from the words “Oh, woe to you, poor man!” and to the words “Realize, the sun has set on the land of Suzdal.”) Say the words out loud and explain their meaning.

14) The work combines the features of a life and a military story. In addition, the final part of “The Life of…” includes the genre of lamentation. “Life” adopted the best “military” examples of original and translated monuments of Kievan Rus, also continuing the stylistic traditions of Galician literature. It later influenced the “Tale of the Life and Death of Prince Dmitry Donskoy” and the chronicle story “About the Massacre of Mamaev.”

15) Reading the textbook material (p. 25-26).

16) Examination of P. Korin’s illustration “Alexander Nevsky”.

(Triptych - (gr. triptychos folded in three) - 1) a folding icon with three doors; 2) a work of art consisting of three paintings, reliefs, drawings, etc., united by one idea, theme, plot.)

Pay attention to the central part of the triptych. We compare the life and the iconographic image.

Is this how you imagined Alexander Nevsky when you read the story about him? Find quotes from "The Tale..." that depict Alexander. (“His height was greater than other people,” “his face was like Joseph’s face.”) The hero is depicted monumentally, in full height, with a sword).

What is the prince wearing? Before us is a prince-warrior and a prince-ruler. This is quite consistent with how Prince Alexander is depicted in “The Life of...”. We see the prince dressed in military armor, over which is thrown mantle.

Is it possible to see in the artist’s work that he depicted a wise ruler? The icon depicts Alexander Nevsky as a wise ruler: his face is concentrated, a deep wrinkle.

What signs tell us that this is an experienced warrior? This is a fearless and experienced warrior - bridge of the nose cross the folds of the will, the hair is whitened gray hair.

How are Alexander's eyes depicted? The eyes of Prince Alexander reflect peace, humility, and kindness. These are the eyes of a righteous man.

Bottom line. The painter knows “The Life of Alexander Nevsky”, and the iconographic image testifies to how much he was imbued with soul and thoughts in the content literary monument and how dear the image of Prince Alexander is to him.

17) Examination of the paintings by G. Semiradsky “Alexander Nevsky Receives the Papal Legates”, p. 27.

o What role do details play in the picture? The most important detail is the banner with the image of Christ, which is located in the center of the upper part of the picture. It carries an ideological load: Alexander is firm in his faith.

18) V. Serov “The Entry of Alexander Nevsky into Pskov after the Battle of the Ice”, p. 28. The figure of Alexander in center, but does not separate from the figures of other people who rushed towards him in a fit of delight and gratitude. All faces are turned to the winner, the people's liberator. Alexander Nevsky is a hero from the people and with the people.

I. Summing up the lesson.

Characteristics of A. Nevsky

§ How did you introduce Prince Alexander?

§ Describe his personality.

§ What surprised you about A. Nevsky’s personality? When characterizing, you can use reproductions of paintings dedicated to A. Nevsky.

§ Let's make notes in notebooks: A. Nevsky is a fearless, brave, just ruler, a great commander who lives according to Christian commandments, a quiet, friendly, wise righteous man, a man of high spirituality, a true defender of the Russian land. The personality of Prince Alexander surprisingly combines the features of a glorious commander, a wise ruler and a faithful Christian. No wonder the name Alexander is translated from Greek language means "protector".

What works of Ancient Rus' do you think were especially close and dear to their contemporaries? Why did they give preference to hagiographies?

Is it worth re-reading ancient works? Are they alive?

So, what is the artistic world of the literature of Ancient Rus', its intonations, images, colors?

A comparison of A. Maykov’s poem “The Death of Alexander Nevsky” and the final part of “The Life of...”.

Guys, so that you can perceive the personality of Alexander Nevsky in its entirety, I suggest you listen to A. Maykov’s poem “The Death of Alexander Nevsky.” Listen to it carefully and answer the question:

What mood permeates this poem and the final part of “The Life of...”?

Death of Alexander Nevsky. (slide No. (icon (fresco)

It's night outside and frosty. The month has two rainbow-colored light crowns around it... It’s as if a celebration is going across the sky. In the abbot’s cell there is a spectacle of sorrow and tears... Quietly the lamp before the image of the Savior burns... Quietly the abbot stands before him in prayer. The boyars stand quietly in the corners. Quiet and motionless, Prince Alexander lies with his head to the images, covered with a black schema... Quietly the lamp before the image of the Savior burns... The prince motionless into the darkness, looking into infinity... There, that curtain, suddenly parted in front of him... He sees: bathed as if in a golden ray, the Bank of the Neva where he struck down the enemy... Suddenly a city appears there... the shores are swarming with people, ships flutter with colored flags all around... The coffin is lifted from the ship, carried to the temple, the ringing is heard, sacred hymns are sung... The lid is opened... The king says something there... Here in front of the coffin they bow to the ground, then all the people go to venerate the relics. In the coffin - the prince sees - himself. The lamp quietly burns before the image of the Savior. The prince lies motionless... His wonderful face lit up with beauty. Quietly the abbot approached him and with a trembling hand felt his Heart and forehead - And, bursting into tears, he exclaimed: “Our sun has set!”

These works convey the grief that gripped all Russians. In A. Maykov’s poem the word “quiet” is repeated so often. Of course, you can grieve in silence. But this grief again expresses the people’s love for Prince Alexander and the irreparable grief from his loss, which is felt even more acutely in silence. In “Life...” the death of the prince is described in the final part and reminds us of lamentation (the quote is read by children): “Oh, woe to you, poor man! You cannot describe the death of your master! How can your eyes not fall out together with tears! How can your heart not break from bitter sadness! A man can forget his father, but he cannot forget a good sovereign; he would be ready to go to the grave with him alive!”

Metropolitan Kirill told people: “My children, understand that the sun has already set on the land of Suzdal...”. “We’re already dying!”

It is impossible to better express one’s attitude towards Prince Alexander and once again emphasize his merits than was heard in the lament of the third part of “The Life of...”

5) The relevance of the personality of Alexander Nevsky in the 20-21 centuries.

Centuries have passed... 13th century - 20th century... more than 700 years! In 1938, the feature film Alexander Nevsky, directed by Sergei Eisenstein, was released on the country's screens, where Nikolai Cherkasov played the main role. (video from the Alexander Nevsky theater)

Teacher: Guys, why do you think such a film is being released at this time? What did the director want to say?

On the eve of what event was it created? On the eve of the 2nd World War. This is a film that inspires Soviet soldiers to win, this is a film that warns enemy that “the enemy will be defeated, victory will be ours”

The words of the hero came true: “Whoever comes to us with a sword will die by the sword.” And in 1941, the Order of Alexander Nevsky was established for the officers of the Red Army. The award was given for leading a successful operation during which the enemy suffered heavy losses. During the Great Patriotic War, more than 40 thousand people were awarded the Order. (slide Order of Alexander Nevsky)

The hero’s words are still relevant today... 21st century... 2011...

On TV screens there was a project “The Name of Russia”, in which the blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky was represented by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. He was able to show the scale of the feat and achievements of Alexander Nevsky, for which he was awarded the highest Russian public award - the star of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky “For Labor and the Fatherland.” At the beginning of the 21st century, when the country embarks on the path of deep modernization, it becomes very symbolic that the name of Russia has become a Holy Man. Saint Alexander Nevsky is the name that will really help our contemporaries change their lives for the better.

Individual task: prepare an expressive reading of “The Tale of Shemyakin’s Court.”

Work (independent) according to options.

1st option.

1. Name the genres of ancient Russian literature. Define a military story.

2. What were the names of the six brave men who “fought mightily with him [Alexander]”? What does the author compare the hearts of the “Alexandrov husbands” to?

2nd option.

1. Name the genres of ancient Russian literature. Define hagiography.

2. With what words does Alexander strengthen “the spirit of his squad”? How do you understand them? By what means is the image of a hero created?

How Russian history is reflected in the paintings.

“Find fairly accurate words-definitions of the artistic world of literature of Ancient Rus' and write them down, correlating them with the works studied (including “The Tale of the Life of ... Alexander Nevsky”).”