Nearly three centuries after the Christianization of Kievan Rus, the manner in which Christianity has become a defining characteristic of Kievan Rus is revealed through central role it plays in the “Tale of the Destruction of Ryazan”. At the beginning of the text, the Mongol emperor is described as “godless” and “merciless”, suggesting that the tale would be told through a religious lens (199). I was intrigued by the use of this type of language, in particular because I had been looking at the Mongol invasion in terms of politics, not religion. However, as the tale continued, the way in which the Kievan Rus citizens are described are also grounded in religious terms. Russian land is frequently described as “Christian land”, blood is described as “Christian blood”, and Russians don’t just survive, they are “preserved by God”. The religiously-charged phrases in which the Mongols and Russians are described seeks to separate the two parties in regards to more than just political interests, but in terms of morality as well. In doing so, the author illustrates a fight that goes beyond just Russians vs. the Mongols, but one of good vs. evil.
Furthermore, while I may be over-reading, there are several instances in which the Russians are described in Christ-like terms, particularly regarding resurrection. For instance, when the Russians fought back, the Tartars thought they had “risen from the dead”. Additionally the “Christian blood” that is shed is described “flow[ing] like a river”. As water is a common symbol of rebirth, it could indicate the possibility of a resurrection of Russia (which, as we know, occurred). Finally, the tale ends with a group of Russians “with the help of God’s strong hand” surviving, further indicating an eventual rebirth with the help of God.
In general, I found the central role of Christianity in the story fascinating not only for the reasons explored above, but because of the fact (that at least in my educational experience), this story is often left out of discussions the “Holy War” period. Was the invasion one surrounding religion? Or is this just an example of religious language entering Russian literature? Whichever the case, this tale is reveals that Christianity was a central aspect of Kievan Rus identity.
Excellent points about the Christ-like ways in which the warriors are described, and the motif of resurrection. In fact, not only we today, but also the author of this text knew that the culture would survive despite the destruction, as the text was written in the 15th century but describes events that occurred two centuries earlier!