"The Tale of Bygone Years". The oldest written source of Russia

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Most of the news about the life of the ancient state of the Slavs - Kievan Rus - is taken from one source. This grandiose literary and historical monument is The Tale of Bygone Years.

The creation of The Tale of Bygone Years is attributed to Nestor, a monk who lived in the Kiev Caves Monastery. The great work was written by him in 1113. The chronicle characterizes its author as an exceptionally well-read person who has the ability to select sources and analyze them, as well as to give them a special form. Scholars who have studied The Tale of Bygone Years have come to the conclusion that it was compiled from an earlier source that has not come down to us. In Russia chronicle writing was a common phenomenon. Therefore, perhaps, Nestor's work was based on the Ancient Kiev Code.

The very tradition of recording the history of the state originated in the St. Sophia Monastery, but in the eleventh century the main shrine of Kyiv became the center of chronicle writing. Many famous hermits and saints lived in the Lavra, who had a hand in preserving historical knowledge. Among them are not only Nestor, but alsoNikon the Great, Theodosius, Anthony.

"The Tale of Bygone Years" was written to satisfy people's interest in their own past. This work tells about the origin of the golden-domed Kyiv and Russia, about the first princes, Askold and Dir, about the arrival of the Ruriks from the Varangians and their influence on statehood. This chronicle glorifies the greatness and power of the state, sincere and great love for the motherland is felt in it. The author admires the courage of the squad, which goes on brave campaigns and brings victories. He mourns the defeats and weeps over the dead in the fratricidal feudal wars.

The Chronicle of Bygone Years is the earliest source available to scholars today. It included both historical facts recorded for future generations, as well as parables, stories, legends, sayings and even songs. It not only describes the origin of the Slavic people, starting with the settlement of the sons of Patriarch Noah across the Earth, it quite accurately and objectively describes the neighbors of Kievan Rus. Nestor brought together information about the traditions and customs of the nearest tribes, about the Greeks and Bulgarians. He not only documented important milestones in the history of his country, he showed its place among other world powers. And without a doubt, this place was honorable and very influential.

Unfortunately, The Tale of Bygone Years has not come down to us in its original form. It was collected bit by bit from the vaults, which are a continuation of the story. Ipatiev and Laurentian Chronicles in theirat the beginning they quote the work of Nestor. It can be assumed that it was also generously decorated with pictures and miniatures. In addition to historical value, the vault is a literary we alth, as it reflects the speech and atmosphere of the state of that period. The chronicle, like patterns, is interspersed with phraseological units, hyperbole, comparisons.

The main thing is that the meaning of this ancient ancient Russian work has nevertheless come down to us, and we can enjoy these lines, full of wisdom and admiration for the Fatherland.