“The Life of Alexander Nevsky” is dedicated to Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich, a great commander and wise ruler. The story was supposed to show that despite the subordination to the Horde, there were princes in Rus' who were ready to resist the enemies of the Russian land, and their valor and courage inspired respect from other peoples.
Creation date and author
The work was written in Vladimir in the Nativity Monastery, where the prince was buried. According to D. S. Likhachev, Metropolitan Kirill was involved in the writing of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky,” a summary of which is presented below. In composition, individual stylistic devices and phraseological units, “The Tale” is close to the works in which he took part. Kirill died in 1280, so researchers are confident that the story was written between 1263 and 1280.
This is evidenced by a number of characteristic features of the story, written in the hagiographic genre. Firstly, in the preface the author talks about himself with emphasized self-deprecation, which corresponds to the canons of this genre: “thin and sinful.” Secondly, he reports about the prince’s parents and his birth, which also corresponds to the spirit of hagiography. Thirdly, the story of the miracle after Alexander's death is also hagiographical in nature. And finally, the text contains digressions that are of an ecclesiastical and rhetorical nature.
The author of the work states at the very beginning of the story that he knew the prince personally and witnessed his military exploits. The formulation “I am a self-witness” gives every reason to assert this. According to researchers, in hagiographic works the authors always report where details about the hero’s life are known. This formulation has not been recorded in any life and is encountered for the first time. And there is every reason to believe that Metropolitan Kirill took part in the compilation of the biography.
Prince Alexander
The story “The Life of Alexander Nevsky,” a summary of which you are reading, begins with a preface by the author, who says that he heard about Prince Alexander “from his fathers.” He is glad to tell of the holy and glorious life of this great man, having witnessed it himself. Calling on the Holy Mother of God and Prince Alexander for help, the author continues the story with a story about the parents of the hero of the story.
Alexander's father Yaroslav was a merciful, meek and peace-loving prince. The mother of the hero of the story was called Theodosia. The book of Isaiah says that the Lord himself places a person in a principality. And indeed, the reign of Prince Alexander was not without God's blessing. He was handsome, like Joseph, who became second only to the Egyptian king. Alexander was strong, like Samson. And the Lord gave him wisdom to Solomon. He was brave and invincible, like King Vespasian, who conquered Judea.
One eminent servant of God came from the West to see with his own eyes the maturity of the power of Prince Alexander. So the Queen of Sheba went to Solomon. Andreas returned to his people and said that he had seen many peoples, but he had never met anyone like Alexander.
In continuing the summary of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky,” it is necessary to clarify that the author of the story almost does not name the names of his opponents. In this episode, he refers to the Swedish king as “the king from the Midnight Land.” He heard about Alexander's valor and decided to conquer the prince's land. He gathered a great army, equipped many ships and came, blazing with the military spirit, to the Neva. And he sent his ambassadors to Novgorod to tell the prince that he had come to destroy his land, let him defend himself if he could.
Appeal to God for help
Prince Alexander's heart was kindled and he entered the church with a prayer to the Lord, who commanded all peoples to live without crossing other people's borders. The prince raised his hands to him and asked the Lord to take the shield and protect him from the enemies. Having finished his prayer, the prince rose from his knees and asked for a blessing from Archbishop Spiridon.
Coming out of the church, Prince Alexander told his squad that God is in truth, not in power. Those who were with weapons and on horses were defeated and fell; only those who will with the name of the Lord on their lips will stand. Trusting in the Holy Trinity, the prince did not wait for the “large army” and set out “with a small squad.” The enemies were approaching, so Alexander had no time to send news to his father Yaroslav. This is why many Novgorodians did not join him, because they did not know about the enemy attack.
Battle of the Neva
We continue to convey a summary of the “Life of Alexander Nevsky” with the author’s story about the elder Pelugia, who was assigned to watch the sea. He lived among the pagans, but was baptized, receiving the name Philip. He lived a godly life, fasted twice a week, and the Lord honored this obedient man with a wonderful vision.
All night he stood by the sea and watched both routes. And in the morning, at sunrise, he heard a loud noise from the sea and saw a floating boat - the martyrs Boris and Gleb were standing on each other’s shoulders. They were dressed in red, and the rowers were dressed in darkness. Boris turned to Gleb with a request that he order the rowing, since Prince Alexander needed help. Having seen and heard the martyrs, the elder stood there until the attack disappeared.
Having met Alexander, Pelugius told him about the vision. Afterwards, Prince Alexander attacked his enemies and there was a great battle with the Romans. Countless numbers of them were killed. And the prince left the imprint of his spear on the face of the king himself. Six soldiers from Alexander’s squad behaved bravely and with dignity in this battle, as the prince himself told the author of this story.
We will continue to convey a brief summary of the “Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” by comparing the author of the battle for Jerusalem under King Hezekiah and the battle of Alexander. Just as in ancient times, the Angel of the Lord came and put down countless Assyrian troops, so it was after the victory of the prince. On the other side of Izhora, where Alexander’s squad could not pass, they found countless dead enemy soldiers, struck down by the Angel of the Lord. The prince returned from the campaign in victory, praising the name of the Lord.
Battle on the Ice
Then the author, without focusing on the prince’s many victories, mentions them in abbreviation. We will continue the summary of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” with a description of the famous battle on Lake Peipsi. Three years after the prince’s victory, the Germans decided to conquer the Slovenian people. They occupied the city of Pskov and even put a governor in it. Prince Alexander and his retinue liberated the city and took many prisoners captive.
The Germans then gathered a large army and marched against Alexander. Lake Peipus was covered with dead soldiers of both. Yaroslav, Alexander's father, sent his youngest son Andrei and his retinue to help the prince. When the opponents met, there was a fierce battle. It seemed as if the frozen lake had moved, as it was covered with blood so that no ice was visible.
The author of the story heard this from an eyewitness to those events, who saw that the army of God came to help Alexander. The enemy fled, and the one who said that he would capture Alexander was given into the hands of the prince. Alexander returned with a glorious victory, leading many captives. All the people and the priests met the winner with crosses, praising and glorifying the name of God.
Trip to Horda
The name of Alexander became famous in all countries. At the same time, the Lithuanian princes began to plunder the lands of Alexander. He went out and beat them. Once Alexander defeated seven regiments in one trip. One Eastern king, who conquered many nations, heard about his glory, and sent envoys to the prince, telling him that Alexander should come to see his power.
Bishop Kirill blessed Alexander and he went to the Horde. Tsar Batu saw him and said that they told him the truth about Alexander - there is no prince like him. But Batu was angry with Yaroslav’s youngest son Andrei, and sent the governor to ruin the land of Suzdal. Prince Alexander then gathered the dispersed people into their homes, rebuilt cities and erected churches. And according to His Word, God filled Alexander’s land with wealth and extended his years.
Envoys from Rome
We continue with the summary of “The Life of Prince Alexander Nevsky.” One day the Pope sent cardinals to Alexander so that they could tell him about their faith. The prince gathered the wise men and wrote a response to the pope that they knew everything from Adam to the Seventh Council, and they would not accept any other teaching. Then the infidels persecuted Christians all over the earth, forcing them to fight on their side. Alexander went to Batu to pray his people out of this misfortune.
The prince sent his son Dmitry with his regiments to the West. He conquered the German land and returned to Novgorod with a great victory. His father Alexander returned from the Horde and fell ill. The prince worked a lot on earth, and before his death he decided to become a monk and accepted the schema. Soon he gave up his spirit to the Lord. His holy body was carried to Vladimir, where he was greeted with candles and censers, and each of the great multitude of people who were here wanted to touch the holy body.
We conclude the very brief summary of “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” with a description of the miracle that occurred on the day of Alexander’s funeral. They laid his body in the Church of the Nativity, when an amazing thing happened: Metropolitan Kirill tried to unclench the prince’s fingers in order to insert the spiritual letter, but the prince, as if alive, raised his hand and took the letter from Kirill’s hands. Confusion gripped everyone, and they retreated from his tomb.
Writing feature
As can be seen from the story, the author’s task did not include compiling a complete biography of Alexander. He spoke about the main episodes of his life, which would make it possible to recreate his heroic image of an intelligent politician, a valiant warrior and commander - about the victories on Lake Peipsi, on the Neva, about his visit to the Horde and his response to the Pope.
The author of the life does not give exact dates; he is not always consistent in his presentation of events. But the story is full of quotes and analogies from the Bible, which are not given in the summary. In the story “On the Life of Alexander Nevsky,” the narrator wanted to emphasize with these comparisons the eternal and timeless nature of the prince’s actions, to give them majesty. Constantly mentioning the heavenly protection of Alexander, the author of the story sought to show that “God despises” such people, helps them, “bestows and shows” his mercy.
From the very beginning, primary attention was paid to that part of Ancient Rus', which was often called Kyiv. However, North-Eastern Rus' also played an equally important role in the history of our Fatherland, which will be discussed further.
Now let’s pay tribute to the Northern “popularism” of Rus' - Novgorod the Great. And we’ll tell you about one of her great sons, Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich Nevsky.
And we will begin this story with the “Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky,” which was widely known in its time.
It was written after the death of Prince Alexander Yaroslavich in the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vladimir, where Nevsky was buried, having died on the road from the Horde to Vladimir in 1263. The author of the “Tale” himself knew Prince Alexander and witnessed his life and his exploits.
Omitting the traditional elements inherent in the “Lives” genre, we will give only the factual information preserved by this historical and literary monument.
“This Prince Alexander was born from Prince the Great Yaroslav and Feodosia. And he was handsome like no one else, 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. Likewise, Prince Alexander won, but was invincible.
Hearing about such valor of Prince Alexander, the king of the Roman country from the Northern Land gathered great strength and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, puffing up 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 Hagia Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray... And having finished the prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spyridon, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, began to encourage his squad, saying: “God is not in power, but in truth.” Having said this, he went against the enemies with a small squad, without waiting for his large army. And he spoke at them on Sunday, July 15, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb.
And there was one man, the elder of the Izhora land, named Pelgusius. (The Izhora land, Izhora, Ingria, was located on both banks of the Neva and in the southwest of Ladoga. The Izhorians belonged to the Finnish group and mostly remained pagans in the 13th century. - V.B.) He was entrusted with the night watch at sea. He was baptized and lived among his family of pagans, and his name was given in holy baptism Philip.
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 boat floating on the sea, and standing among 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 Alexander.”
Soon after this, Alexander came, and Pelgusius, joyfully meeting the prince, 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 is named Tavrilo Oleksich, the second is named Sbyslav Yakunovich, a Novgorodian, the third is Yakov, originally from Polotsk, the fourth is a Novgorodian named Messia, the fifth is from the younger squad, named Sava, the sixth is from Alexander’s servants, named Ratmir .
I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who took part in this battle...
(Everything told by the author of the “Tale” refers to the Neva battle between the Russians and the Swedes, which took place on July 15, 1240 at the confluence of the Izhora River with the Neva. It was after this victory that the twenty-year-old Prince Alexander began to be called Nevsky. - V.B.)
...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. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged some of them, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, released others.
In the third year, in winter, he went with great strength to the German land, so that they would not boast, saying: “Let us subdue the Slavic people.”
And they had already taken the city of Pskov and imprisoned the German governors. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, tied up others, and liberated the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land, took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, being daring, united and said: “Let’s go and defeat Alexander and capture him.”
When the Germans approached, the guards found out about them. Prince Alexander 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...
It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents met. And there was a cruel slaughter, and there was a crackling sound from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, it seemed that a frozen lake was moving, and the ice was not visible, for it was covered with blood... (This episode refers to the Battle of the Ice, which took place on April 5, 1242. - V.B.)
...And Prince Alexander returned with 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 then the author of the “Tale” reports on other glorious victories of Alexander and how he managed to get along with Khan Batu, who twice summoned him to the Horde. The “Tale” ends with a description of the second trip to the Mongols, the illness and death of the prince. - V. B.)
...Grand Duke Alexander returned from the Horde from the Tsar, and reached Nizhny Novgorod, and there he fell ill, and, arriving in Gorodets, he became ill... Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on an angelic image. God also vouchsafed him to accept a greater rank - schema. And so in peace he gave up his spirit to God on the 14th day of November, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip. (Alexander died in 1263).
Metropolitan Kirill said: “My children, know that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!..” The holy body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. 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 Mother of God, on the 24th day of November...
The story of the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander
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 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 [*]. 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” [*]. Likewise, Prince Alexander won, but was invincible.
Once one of the eminent men of the Western country [*], from those who call themselves servants of God [*], came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba [*] came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches . So this one, by the name of Andreas [*], 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 [*] 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 [*], 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” [*]. 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 [*], 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 [*] 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 Oleksic. He attacked the auger [*] and, seeing the prince being dragged by the arms, rode all the way to the ship along the gangplank along which they were running 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.
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 [*]. 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, a countless number of those killed by the angel of the Lord were found here. 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.
Old Russian literature
THE TALE OF THE LIFE AND BRAVERY OF THE Blessed and Grand Duke ALEXANDER
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 said: “Wisdom will not enter an evil soul: for it dwells in elevated places, stands in the middle of 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 and philanthropic father, and most of all, a meek one, the great prince Yaroslav and from his mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: “Thus says the Lord: “I appoint princes, for 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.” Likewise, Prince Alexander won, but was invincible.
That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, from those who call themselves servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, just as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, named Andreas, 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 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, puffing up 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, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established borders for the nations, you commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others." And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: “Judge, Lord, those who offend 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, 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.” 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 Izhora land, named Pelugiy, who 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 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, 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 Oleksic. He attacked the auger and, seeing the prince being dragged by the arms, rode all the way to the ship along the gangplank along which he and the prince were running; those pursued by him 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 from 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. 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. 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. 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 strength to German land, so that they would not boast, saying: “Let us subdue the Slavic people.”
And they had already taken the city of Pskov and imprisoned the German governors. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, and tied up others and liberated the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, being daring, united and said: “Let's go and defeat Alexander and capture him.”
When the Germans approached, the guards found out about them. Prince Alexander 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 defeat Amalek and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk.”
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, chasing them as if through the air, and they had nowhere to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho. And the one who said: “Let’s capture Alexander,” God gave into Alexander’s hands. 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 beside the horses 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 the faithful prince with our weapon of faith to liberate the city of Pskov from foreigners by the hand of Alexandra.”
And Alexander said: “O ignorant Pskovites! If you forget this before Alexander’s great-grandsons, 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 Egyptian captivity.”
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.
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 ride out against his enemies, and he defeated seven regiments in one ride and killed many of their princes, and took others prisoner, while his servants, mocking, tied them to the tails of their horses. And from that time on they began to fear his name.
At the same time, there was a strong king in the eastern country, to whom God subjugated many nations from the east to the west. 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. So, are you the only one who does not want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come Come quickly to me 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 Moabite wives 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. After the devastation of the Suzdal land by Nevruy, the great Prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, and gathered dispersed people into their homes. Isaiah the prophet said about such people: “A good prince in countries is quiet, friendly, meek, humble - and thus 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 with the following words: “Our Pope says this: “We heard that you are a worthy and glorious prince and that your land is great. That’s why we sent you from
Memory 4 (17) September and 10 (23) DecemberAlexander Yaroslavich, nicknamed Nevsky after the battle with the Swedes on the Neva in 1240, was one of the most famous princes of the 13th century: he led successful wars on the western and northwestern borders of Rus' against the aggressive campaigns of the Swedes and the Livonian Order of Crusader Knights , pursued a policy of strengthening the unity of the principalities of North-Eastern Rus', managed to achieve in the Horde the liberation of Russians from participation in the hostilities of the Horde. The biography of Alexander, which combined elements of the hagiographic (hagiography) genre and princely military biography, was written no later than the 80s of the 13th century. in the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Vladimir, where the prince was buried, who died on the road, returning from the Horde to Vladimir.
The author of the "Life" was a scribe from the circle of Vladimir Metropolitan Kirill, who came from Galicia-Volyn Rus' in 1246. Therefore, the "Life" reflected the book and literary traditions of South-Western and North-Eastern Rus'. The author, as he himself says, personally knew Alexander Nevsky and witnessed his deeds, which is apparently why the narrative has a special lyrical tone.
The combination in a single story of lyricism, the special style of military stories, Coalitions of the hagiographic genre and epic-heroic elements gives “The Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky” as a literary work a unique unique character. The text and translation are published according to the publication: Military Tales of Ancient Rus'.
The story of the life of Alexander Nevsky
(Translation)
The story of the life and courage of the blessed and Grand Duke Alexander
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 Pritochnik said:
“Wisdom will not enter an evil soul: for it dwells in high places, stands in the middle of 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 and philanthropic father, and most of all, a meek one, the great prince Yaroslav and from his mother Theodosia.
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 back, to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his squad, and reproached them, saying: “They left me alone.”
Likewise, Prince Alexander won, but was invincible.
That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, from those who call themselves servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, just as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, named Andreas, 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 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 envoys, 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, righteous God. Great, strong God. Eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established borders for the nations, you commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others." And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said:
“Judge, O Lord, those who offend me and protect them from those who fight with 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, 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 righteousness.” 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.” 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 Izhora land, named Pelugiy, who 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 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, 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 Oleksic. He attacked the auger and, seeing the prince being dragged by the arms, rode all the way to the ship along the gangplank along which he and the prince were running; those pursued by him grabbed Gavrila Oleksich and threw him off the gangplank along with his horse. But by God's mercy he came out of the water unharmed, and again attacked them, and fought with the commander himself in the midst of their army.
The second one is named Sbyslav Yakunovich, a Novgorodian. 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 from 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.
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. This was the case after Alexandrov’s victory: when he defeated the king, on the other bank 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. 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 strength to German land, so that they would not boast, saying: “Let us subdue the Slavic people.”
And they had already taken the city of Pskov and imprisoned the German governors. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, and tied up others and liberated the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, being daring, united and said:
"Let's go and defeat Alexander and capture him."
When the Germans approached, the guards found out about them. Prince Alexander 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 heaven and said: “Judge me. God, judge my dispute with the unrighteous people and help me. Lord, as in ancient times he helped Moses overcome Amalek and our great-grandfather Yaroslav the accursed Svyatopolk.”
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. Alexander cut them down, chasing them as if through the air, and they had nowhere to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments, like Joshua at Jericho. And the one who said: “Let’s capture Alexander,” God gave into Alexander’s hands. 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 camp, 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 the faithful prince with our godfather's weapon to liberate the city of Pskov from foreigners by the hand of Alexandra."
And Alexander said: “O ignorant Pskovians! If you forget this before Alexander’s great-grandsons, 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 Egyptian captivity.”
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.
At the same time, the Lithuanian people gained strength and began to plunder the Alexandrov possessions. He went out and beat them. Once he was tormented by going out against his enemies, and he defeated seven regiments in one go and killed many of the princes, and took others prisoner, while his servants, mocking, tied them to the tails of their horses. And from that time on they began to fear his name.
At the same time, there was a strong king in the eastern country, to whom God subjugated many nations from the east to the west. 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. So, are you the only one who does not want to submit to me? But if you want to save your land, then come Come quickly to me 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 Moabite wives 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. After the devastation of the Suzdal land by Nevruy, the great Prince Alexander erected churches, rebuilt cities, and gathered 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 in his generosity he generously gifts people 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 from great Rome came to him with the following words: “Our Pope says this: “We heard that you are a worthy and glorious prince and that your land is great. That’s why we sent to you the two smartest of the twelve cardinals - Agaldad and Gemont, so that you may listen to their speech 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 division 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 to Augustus and to the birth of Christ, from the birth to his crucifixion and resurrection, from his resurrection and ascension into heaven and to the reign of Constantine, from the beginning of the reign of Constantine to the first council and the seventh - we know all this well, 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 for his people from this misfortune.
And he sent his son Dmitry to the Western countries, and sent all his regiments with him, and his close household, 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.
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 on the 14th day of November, 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, and a groan, and crying, such as had never been seen, so that the earth shook. His body was laid in the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos, in the Great Archimandrite, on the 24th day of November, in memory of Holy Father Amphilochius.
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. 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 transported from distant lands in winter. And so God glorified his saint.