THE TALE OF IGOR’S CAMPAIGN: POLYRELIGIOSITY AND THE FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL CHARACTER OF ANCIENT RUS’

Abstract

The article analyzes the pagan and Christian elements presented in the text The Tale of Igor’s Campaign with the aim of investigating the national character of people of the ancient Rus’. Special attention is paid to identifying the roots of its complexity and uniqueness. A nation’s character is shaped by various cultural factors, with literature being one of the key aspects. Literary works, as direct carriers of national thought, most vividly reflect the worldview of their people. The study of ancient literature serves as a crucial source for understanding the foundational principles and processes involved in forming a national character. The Tale of Igor’s Campaign is one of the most significant works of literature of ancient Rus’. It contains a rich array of ideas reflecting the spiritual, cultural, and philosophical heritage of people. This literary monument deserves an in-depth analysis capable of shedding light on key aspects of the national character. The present study examines the content of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign based on the original text of its first edition from 1800, written in Old Church Slavonic. Particular focus is given to the manifestation of pagan and Christian elements in the text and their interactions. The study places special emphasis on animal imagery, which is analyzed from a functional perspective. These images not only serve a decorative role in the narrative but also carry profound symbolic meaning. They reflect people’s understanding of harmony and the coexistence of humans and nature in ancient Rus’. Through the analysis and interpretation of these images, the article reveals the reverence with which the society regarded nature, emphasizing its dependence on and unity with it. Thus, the study of The Tale of Igor’s Campaign not only deepens understanding of the national character of people of the ancient Rus’ but also uncovers the origins of its formation. Interpreting the text through the lens of pagan and Christian elements, as well as analyzing its animal imagery, opens new avenues for exploring the culture and worldview of people of ancient Rus’.