DOI: 10.25136/2409-8698.2018.3.27392

Abstract: The subject of research is the internal chronology in the poem "Vladimir". The author of the article analyzes the text of the poem by Kheraskov in order to determine how much time in Vladimir corresponds to the historical time. The first clear time reference point in the work is the appearance and death of the Varangian Christians, a record of this is given in The Tale of Bygone Years under 983, this is followed by the choice of faith in 986 and a march on Kherson, where Vladimir receives baptism in 988. In this time range, the main events of the poem unfold. In her study Semenova compares M. Kheraskov's poem to historical sources known to the poet. Tracing the internal chronology of the work, resorting to the method of Yu.M. Lotman, used in the analysis and commenting of "Eugene Onegin", we can determine by what time the author refers to the events described in the "Vladimir". This study found that the sequence of events in the poem "Vladimir" coincides with the testimony of historians. At the same time, the internal time in the work does not correspond to the historical time. Kheraskov smoothes the chronological holes characteristic of the chronicles, compressing the narration. Even taking into account several gaps in time, everything that happens in Kiev since the beginning of the narration (983), i.e. the campaign and the conquest of Kherson, Vladimir's baptism and marriage, does not stretch for 5-6 years, as in the sources.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2017.3.23776

Abstract: The paper under consideration examines discreditation of paganism in Kheraskov's poem 'Vladimir' as one of the least studied aspects of the epic poem by Mikhail Kheraskov. Kheraskov pays much attention to pagans who opposed to the adoption of Christianity in Russia. Their point of view and arguments against the new religion are important in the context of Vladimir's inner struggle, but the author discredits the pagans, casting doubt on their arguments. The poet accentuates the negative aspects of the cult, relying in general on the testimonies of historians, but thickening colors and speculating a number of details. It should be noted that fantastic elements in the poem are also linked with discrediting pagans. The forces of good and evil, the messengers of Heaven and hell interfere with the affairs of people, supporting Christians or pagans. Paganism in 'Vladimir' is associated with the devil worship, it is evidenced with the identification of Perun with the prince of the world. A comparison of the poem with historical sources makes it possible to reveal in which cases the poet more or less freely interprets the historical material or contributes fictional and fantastic elements to the purpose of emphasizing the priority of Christianity in relation to paganism. The novelty of the research is caused by the fact that there are very few researches devoted to the poem 'Vladimir' and many aspects of the poem are still left understudied including discreditaton of paganism the author of the article talks about. The author concludes that fictional details partly based on chronicles or contradictory thereto interwine with the historical basis of the poem creating the effect of the prism through which historical rather credible historical events are presented in a new light. The old belief is discredited and the author does not leave an opportunity to interpret the choice of the Kiev Knyaz as a destruction of original Russian culture and propagation of alien culture. On the contrary, christianization of Rus' saves the nation that happened to be at the edge of doom.