Often, a brief summary helps to understand the meaning of the work. "The word about the destruction of the Russian land" is a poetic legend written around the 13th century in North-Eastern Russia during the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars. According to scientists, the author was a South Russian scribe. This work is a cry and sorrow for a devastated Homeland, which was subjected to ruin and devastation. Composition is studied in schools as one of the most striking examples of Old Russian literature.
Idea
The meaning of the work reveals its brief content. “The word about the destruction of the Russian land” reflects one of the most dramatic moments in Russian history. The author contrasts the former greatness and beauty of the Motherland with its ruin and devastation. He lovingly and proudly recreates pictures of nature, buildings, and in beautiful epithets he praises the power of the state. At the same time, the scribe complains about the fragmentation of destinies, which prevented the unification of forces to fight the enemy. Further, the author draws a panorama of the landscape and architecture, which allows the reader to see and feel what Russia was like before the invasion of enemies. The creator's emphasis on the need for political unity proves the summary. "The word about the destruction of the Russian land" became a kind of poetic and literary appeal for unity of power in the face of an external threat.
About princely power
The indicated thought sounds especially clearly in the place where the image of the ideal Russian prince, Vladimir Monomakh, is given. The author glorifies his exploits and, as it were, contrasts the specific rulers of his day to this outstanding statesman, a warrior who defended the Fatherland from enemies. The importance of the topic of strong political power in the work under consideration is proved by a brief summary. “The word about the destruction of the Russian land” is an essay that is important for understanding the social situation in the middle of the 13th century. From this legend it is clear that the educated population attached great importance to the misfortune that befell them and saw a way out in the restoration of princely status. Obviously, at that time the population saw the ideal in the rules of Vladimir Monomakh, who really managed to repel the raids and create a strong state for his time.
About Homeland
The most expressive is the episode of creating a colorful picture of nature, cities, buildings. The author, as it were, looks at the view that has opened to him from a height. The work “The Word about the Perdition of the Russian Land”, the brief content of which is the subject of this review, has become a deeply patriotic composition, which was of great importance for the revival of the military spirit and consciousness of the need to be free from the yoke. The scribe lists what was at one time the glory and pride of the Fatherland. At first, he describes nature: forests, oak forests, fields, hills. Then he talks about the wealth of the animal and plant world, after which he praises the wealth and grandeur of cities, boyars, and princes. From this fragment we can judge what was a medieval Russian city, in which there were temples, monastery gardens, manors. The author emphasizes the great importance of the Orthodox faith in the life of the people, calling the country a true believer.
On the international situation of the country
The extent to which the author of the work in question was educated and knowledgeable in history and geography is evidenced by the summary (“The Word on the Ruin of the Russian Land”). After the death of Yaroslav, the political unity of our country was violated, but the power was not yet completely undermined. The author lists the lands that were subordinate to the Russian princes and emphasizes that only strong power was able to strengthen the international position of the state. Among the general rulers, the scribe focuses on Vladimir Monomakh. According to him, this prince became famous in many neighboring lands.
Writing circumstances
Some facts about the conditions of the manuscript should include a summary. The "Word about the destruction of the Russian land," the author of which is presumably one of Alexander Nevsky’s close associates, became a lament for the former greatness of the state. Scientists believe that the composition should have preceded a secular biography of this ruler that did not reach us. The work was written after the invasion of the Mongol-Tatar troops in the northeastern lands. During one of the battles, Vladimir Prince Yuri was killed, which became the basis for the creation of the legend. An interesting fact is that the work served as the basis for the creation of similar tales.
Value
In addition to these features, the effect of this work on subsequent literature should include a brief summary. "The word about the destruction of the Russian land", works of 14-15 centuries must be considered in one row. Tales of the Battle of Kulikovo and other historical manuscripts were written under his direct influence. You can find common features in them: this is the theme of the struggle for liberation, the idea of the need for unity of lands and the praise of strong princely power.
It should be noted here that works of this kind had a great influence on the socio-political life of medieval Russia, which in many respects predetermined the gathering of specific principalities around Moscow and the overthrow of the yoke. Therefore, the legend under consideration must be studied not only in literature lessons, but also in classes on Russian history. On its basis, one can get an idea of how contemporaries perceived the invasion of the Mongol-Tatars on Russian lands.