The first Kiev prince from the Rurik family. The chronicle says that Rurik, dying, transferred power to his relative, Oleg, since Rurik's son, Igor, was very small at that time. For three years Oleg reigned in Novgorod, and then, having recruited an army from the Varangians and the tribes of Chudi, Ilmen Slavs, Mary, Vesi, Krivichi, he moved south. Oleg cunningly took possession of Kiev, killing Askold and Dir, who reigned there, and made it his capital, saying: "This will be the mother of Russian cities." By uniting the Slavic tribes of the north and south, Oleg created a powerful state - Kievan Rus. A well-known legend in the annals is associated with the death of Oleg, which served as a motive for the poem by Alexander Pushkin "The Song of the Prophetic Oleg". According to the chronicler's account, Oleg reigned for 33 years, from 879 (the year of Rurik's death) to 912. The story of the Prophetic Oleg in the chronicle of Nestor "The Tale of Bygone Years" the name is mentioned in historical documents, but most of the information about his life and work has come down to us in the form of folk tales, in which real events are closely intertwined with legendary ones. The story of the Prophetic Oleg in Nestor's chronicle collection "The Tale of Bygone Years" also has a legendary character. The Tale of Bygone Years is the earliest surviving chronicle collection. Belongs to the beginning of the XII century. This set is known as part of a number of chronicle collections preserved in lists, of which the best and oldest are Laurentian 1377 and Ipatiev 20s of the 15th century. The chronicle has absorbed a large number of materials from legends, stories, legends, oral poetic legends about various historical figures and events. Nestor calls Oleg a relative of the Novgorod prince Rurik. But from other sources it is known that Oleg had no family ties with the prince, but was his governor and reached a high position only thanks to his personal merits. He possessed an outstanding TALENT as a commander, and his wisdom and foresight were so great that they seemed supernatural. Contemporaries called Oleg THING ..! The lucky warrior-prince is nicknamed "THE THING", that is, the WIZARD (though the Christian chronicler did not fail to emphasize that the nickname was given to Oleg by the pagans, "people of trash and non-voices"), but he also cannot escape his fate. Under the year 912, the chronicle places a poetic tradition associated, obviously, with "Olga's grave", which "is ... and to this day." This legend has a complete plot, which is revealed in a laconic dramatic narration. It clearly expresses the idea of the power of fate, which none of the mortals, and even the "THING" prince, can not escape. It is possible that the folk memory of the THING Oleg was reflected in the image of the epic wizard-prince Volga: Volga wanted a lot of wisdom: to walk like a pike-fish in the deep seas, fly as a bird-falcon under a shell, as a gray wolf to prowl in clean fields. Rurik died in 879. Dying, he bequeathed reign to Oleg and left his young son Igor in his care. For three years Oleg ruled in Novgorod, and then, having gathered a strong squad and taking Igor with him, he set off to conquer new lands. At that time, vast areas of the RUSSIAN land were inhabited by numerous tribes. RUSSIA had no clear boundaries and did not know uniform laws. The Kiev prince exercised his power only in a few key points that controlled trade routes. Having ended the war with a profitable peace, Oleg returned to Kiev with glory. This campaign created immense popularity for him in the eyes of not only Russia, but also the Slavs, who called their prince the Prophet. The legendary prince OLEG can be called the first Russian figure of a nationwide scale. Many songs, legends and traditions were composed about Prince OLEG.
History is an interesting science that stores information about the life of mankind, legendary events and personalities that influenced the course of historical events on Earth. This knowledge is especially important now, when negative events are taking place in countries such as the former Yugoslavia or today's Ukraine. But even the Prophetic Oleg Kiev was appointed "the mother of Russian cities"! Today, not everyone knows why they called Oleg the Prophet. Maybe he was a fortuneteller?
"The Tale of Bygone Years"
The personality of Oleg appeared in the annals of historians when the events related to the death of the Novgorod prince Rurik were described. Dying, Rurik handed over his young son Igor to him under the care of him. In 879, both Novgorod and his son Igor became the care of Oleg, whom historians consider a relative of Rurik's wife. Modern researchers insist that Oleg was just a talented warrior who became the governor and close person of the Novgorod prince. Whoever Oleg was, he became regent under Igor, the prince of Novgorod and Kiev, a person who was in power during the creation of a united Russia. The chronicler Nestor in his "Tale ..." describes the activities of the prince and points out why Oleg the Prophet.
Hike to Kiev
After becoming regent and prince of Novgorod, Oleg three years later decided to expand the territory of the principality and set off on a campaign against Smolensk. Gathering a huge army, in 882 he goes south and captures this city. Lyubech followed Smolensk. In these cities, he installed his governors with a sufficient number of soldiers and moved further along the Dnieper. Kiev stood in his way. At this time, the rule of the Kiev principality was carried out by Askold and Dir. Prince Oleg possessed the dignity of an experienced military strategist and a cunning, intelligent person. Once at the Kiev mountains, he hid his squad and showed up only with Igor in his arms. After convincing Askold and Dir that this was a courtesy visit on the way to the Greeks, he lured them out of the city. The warriors dealt with the rulers, and Prince Oleg took possession of Kiev.
Why - Prophetic? This name began to be called him only after the Byzantine campaign, in 907. In the meantime, he became the prince of Kiev and declared this city "the mother of Russian cities." Since then, Oleg pursued a policy of uniting the Slavs, expanding the boundaries of the lands, and exempting them from the tribute that was paid to the nomadic tribes.
Hike to Byzantium
If you turn to the explanatory dictionary, you can be convinced that the name Prophetic means not only "predictor", but also "reasonable person". This was Prince Oleg. It was during the campaign against Byzantium in 907 that Prophetic Oleg showed his ingenuity. Having conceived a campaign, he gathered a huge army, not only on horses, but also on ships. These were all kinds of peoples: the Varangians, and the Chuds, and the Krivichi, and the Slovenes, and many others, whom the Greeks called the "Great Scythia". Prince Igor remained to rule Kiev, and Oleg went on a campaign. It is after the campaign that it becomes clear why Oleg was nicknamed "The Prophet". The desire to expand the borders of the Russians, to establish trade relations with other countries pushed Oleg to a campaign against Byzantium, where he went in 907.
Fighting
Arriving at Constantinople (Constantinople) with an army and ships, of which there were two thousand, Oleg landed ashore. This had to be done, because the city from the sea side was protected by chains that locked the Golden Horn, and the ships could not overcome them. Having gone ashore, Prince Oleg began to fight around Constantinople: he killed many people, set fire to houses and churches, did a lot of evil. But the city did not give up. And then Oleg came up with a trick: he ordered to put his ships on wheels. When a favorable wind blew, the sails were opened and the ships went in the direction of Constantinople. The Greeks understood that it was time to send ambassadors and negotiate a tribute. They promised Oleg to give whatever he wants. They brought him various food and wine, which the prince did not accept, fearing that all this was poisoned - and he was not mistaken. This fact also indicates why Oleg was nicknamed "Prophetic": foresight saved his life.
The sword on the gates of Constantinople
And the Prophetic Oleg imposed a tribute on the Greeks. He ordered to pay 12 hryvnias for each soldier in the ships: there were forty of them. And the ships - two thousand. He ordered to give tribute to cities: for Kiev, Chernigov, Lyubech, Rostov, Polotsk, Pereyaslavl and also for other places over which Oleg ruled. The Greeks agreed to all conditions for the sake of preserving peace in their land. To establish peace, they swore an oath to each other: the Greek kings kissed the cross and promised to pay tribute. And Prince Oleg and his men swore by their weapons and gods: the Russians were pagans. They promised that they would not fight and made peace. As a sign of victory over the Greeks, Oleg hung his shield on the gates of the city and only after that he went back. Oleg returned to Kiev with enormous riches, and after that he was nicknamed “Prophetic”. So, for the first time, a peace treaty was signed between two countries - Russia and Byzantium, relations were established: they allowed duty-free trade. But one day, Oleg the Prophet made a fatal mistake: the events of his death speak of this.
The prediction of the Magi
Oleg the Prophetic turned to the Magi with a question about his death: why is he going to die? They predicted death from his beloved horse. And then the Prophetic Oleg ordered to put the horse, feed it, but never bring it to him. He vowed never to sit on it. This went on for several years. Oleg went on campaigns, reigned in Kiev, making peace with many countries. Since then, four years have passed, the fifth has come, 912 years. The prince returned from the campaign from Constantinople and remembered his beloved horse. Calling the groom, he interrogated him about his state of health. To which he received the answer: the horse died. And that is three years old. Oleg concluded that the Magi were deceiving in their predictions: the horse had already died, and the prince was alive! Why did Oleg the Prophet not believe them and decided to see the remains of the horse? Nobody knows this. Oleg wanted to see his bones and went to the place where they lie. Seeing the horse's skull, he stepped on it with the words: "Should I accept death from this skull?"
A snake emerged from the skull and stung Prophetic Oleg in leg. After that, he fell ill and died soon after. The prediction about how Prince Oleg the Prophet will die, whose biography is described in the chronicles of Nestor, where this legend is given, came true.
Years of the principality
The Grand Duke of Kiev and Novgorod Prophetic Oleg gained fame in 879 and died in 912. The years of his reign did not go unnoticed: during this period the Slavic tribes were united, and a single center, Kiev, was organized. The borders of Russia expanded significantly, good-neighborly relations with Byzantium were established. Why was Oleg called "Prophetic"? For his intelligence, perspicacity, for his ability to choose the right strategy and competently conduct foreign policy.
History is an interesting science that stores information about the life of mankind, legendary events and personalities that influenced the course of historical events on Earth. This knowledge is especially important now, when negative events are taking place in countries such as the former Yugoslavia or today's Ukraine. But even the Prophetic Oleg Kiev was appointed "the mother of Russian cities"! Today, not everyone knows, they call me. Maybe he was a fortuneteller?
"The Tale of Bygone Years"
The personality of Oleg appeared in the annals of historians when the events related to the death of the Novgorod prince Rurik were described. Dying, Rurik handed over his young son Igor to him under the care of him. In 879, both Novgorod and his son Igor became the care of Oleg, whom historians consider a relative of Rurik's wife. Modern researchers insist that Oleg was just a talented warrior who became the governor and close person of the Novgorod prince. Whoever Oleg was - he became regent under Igor, the prince of Novgorod and Kiev, a person who was in power during the creation of a united Russia. in his "Tale ..." describes the activities of the prince and indicates why Oleg the Prophet.
Hike to Kiev
After becoming regent and prince of Novgorod, Oleg three years later decided to expand the territory of the principality and set off on a campaign against Smolensk. Gathering a huge army, in 882 he goes south and captures this city. Lyubech followed Smolensk. In these cities, he installed his governors with a sufficient number of soldiers and moved further along the Dnieper. Kiev stood in his way. At this time, the board was exercised by Askold and Dir. Prince Oleg possessed the dignity of an experienced military strategist and a cunning, intelligent person. Once at the Kiev mountains, he hid his squad and showed up only with Igor in his arms. Convinced that this was a courtesy visit on the way to the Greeks, he lured them out of the city. The warriors dealt with the rulers, and Prince Oleg took possession of Kiev.
Why - Prophetic? This name began to be called him only after the Byzantine campaign, in 907. In the meantime, he became the prince of Kiev and declared this city "the mother of Russian cities." Since then, Oleg pursued a policy of uniting the Slavs, expanding the boundaries of the lands, and exempting them from the tribute that was paid to the nomadic tribes.
Hike to Byzantium
If you turn to the explanatory dictionary, you can be convinced that the name Prophetic means not only "predictor", but also "reasonable person". This was Prince Oleg. It was during the campaign against Byzantium in 907 that Prophetic Oleg showed his ingenuity. Having conceived a campaign, he gathered a huge army, not only on horses, but also on ships. These were all kinds of peoples: the Varangians, and the Chuds, and the Krivichi, and the Slovenes, and many others, whom the Greeks called the "Great Scythia". Prince Igor remained to rule Kiev, and Oleg went on a campaign. It is after the campaign that it becomes clear why Oleg was nicknamed "The Prophet". The desire to expand the borders of the Russians, to establish trade relations with other countries pushed Oleg to a campaign against Byzantium, where he went in 907.
Fighting
Arriving at Constantinople (Constantinople) with an army and ships, of which there were two thousand, Oleg landed ashore. This had to be done, because the city from the side of the sea was protected by chains that blocked the bay and the ships could not overcome them. Having gone ashore, Prince Oleg began to fight around Constantinople: he killed many people, set fire to houses and churches, did a lot of evil. But the city did not give up. And then Oleg came up with a trick: he ordered to put his ships on wheels. When a favorable wind blew, the sails were opened and the ships went in the direction of Constantinople. The Greeks understood that it was time to send ambassadors and negotiate a tribute. They promised Oleg to give whatever he wants. They brought him various food and wine, which the prince did not accept, fearing that all this was poisoned - and he was not mistaken. This fact also indicates why Oleg was nicknamed "Prophetic": foresight saved his life.
The sword on the gates of Constantinople
And the Prophetic Oleg imposed a tribute on the Greeks. He ordered to pay 12 hryvnias for each soldier in the ships: there were forty of them. And there were two thousand ships. He ordered to give tribute to cities: for Kiev, Chernigov, Lyubech, Rostov, Polotsk, Pereyaslavl and also for other places over which Oleg ruled. The Greeks agreed to all conditions for the sake of preserving peace in their land. To establish peace, they swore an oath to each other: the Greek kings kissed the cross and promised to pay tribute. And Prince Oleg and his men swore by their weapons and gods: the Russians were pagans. They promised that they would not fight and made peace. As a sign of victory over the Greeks, Oleg hung his shield on the gates of the city and only after that he went back. Oleg returned to Kiev with enormous riches, and after that he was nicknamed “Prophetic”. So, for the first time, a peace treaty was signed between two countries - Russia and Byzantium, relations were established: they allowed duty-free trade. But one day, Oleg the Prophet made a fatal mistake: the events of his death speak of this.
The prediction of the Magi
Oleg the Prophetic turned to the Magi with a question about his death: why is he going to die? They predicted death from his beloved horse. And then the Prophetic Oleg ordered to put the horse, feed it, but never bring it to him. He vowed never to sit on it. This went on for several years. Oleg went on campaigns, reigned in Kiev, making peace with many countries. Since then, four years have passed, the fifth has come, 912 years. The prince returned from the campaign from Constantinople and remembered his beloved horse. Calling the groom, he interrogated him about his state of health. To which he received the answer: the horse died. And that is three years old. Oleg concluded that the Magi were deceiving in their predictions: the horse had already died, and the prince was alive! Why did Oleg the Prophet not believe them and decided to see the remains of the horse? Nobody knows this. Oleg wanted to see his bones and went to the place where they lie. Seeing the horse's skull, he stepped on it with the words: "Should I accept death from this skull?"
A snake appeared from the skull and stung the Prophetic Oleg in the leg. After that, he fell ill and died soon after. The prediction about how Prince Oleg the Prophet will die, whose biography is described in the chronicles of Nestor, where this legend is given, came true.
Years of the principality
The Grand Duke of Kiev and Novgorod Prophetic Oleg gained fame in 879 and died in 912. The years of his reign did not go unnoticed: during this period the Slavic tribes were united, and a single center, Kiev, was organized. The borders of Russia expanded significantly, good-neighborly relations with Byzantium were established. Why was Oleg called "Prophetic"? For his intelligence, perspicacity, for his ability to choose the right strategy and competently conduct foreign policy.
Each of us in childhood read the "Song of the Prophetic Oleg" written by A.S. Pushkin. But few people wondered why the Kiev prince Oleg received such a nickname. And in general - is this prince not an invention, a folk fantasy, was it not Alexander Sergeevich himself who invented it?
Why Prince Oleg was nicknamed prophetic
There are several versions about the origin of this nickname, and each of them has a right to exist.
Prophetic Oleg - Kiev prince who ruled in Kiev from 882 to 912 and became famous as a great commander. According to legend, he was the author of the phrase: "Kiev is the mother of Russian cities!" and at the same time one of the most mysterious Russian princes.
Prophetic Oleg was, according to various sources, either the brother of his wife, or the senior voivode under the legendary founder Old Russian state Rurik. He did more for the development of Kievan Rus than the legendary founder himself.
Rurik lived to be 70 years old (which at that time was a very old age) and died in 879 in Novgorod. He outlived all his sons, except for the smallest - Igor.
Oleg became the regent under the minor Igor. For the future prince, he subdued Smolensk and Lyubech
The richest city at that time was Kiev, in which the warriors of Rurik Askold and Dir, who usurped power, ruled. They did not want to recognize Igor as a prince, then Oleg deceived them for Kiev and killed them. He was the first to establish a system of power in Kievan Rus, appointing governors over the territories from local princes.
Prophetic Oleg defeated the Khazar Kaganate, made a victorious campaign against Constantinople (so called Constantinople - modern Istanbul). As a result of this campaign, the Russians received the right to duty-free trade with Byzantium. For this campaign Oleg got his nickname "Prophetic".
Historians consider the campaign to Constantinople the Prophetic Oleg fictional
In the Tsargrad chronicles of that period, mention of it is not found, although there are described the raids of the Russians in 860 and 941. There is also no agreement on peace and duty-free trade from 907 mentioned in the chronicle - it is also not there.
The description of the return of Prophetic Oleg from the raid on Constantinople is similar to the retelling of the Norse sagas. Prophetic Oleg got his nickname because he was not just a warrior, but also a "witch" - a priest of the ancient Russian pagan gods.
As a priest, he knew how to "know" - that is, predict the future, foresee events. This word in the Old Russian language has another meaning "judicious" Rus.
In 879 Rurik died in Novgorod. By the time of his death, Russia occupied an area exceeding the size of modern France - from the Baltic in the north to the Western Dvina in the south. But the heir to the throne, two-year-old Igor, could not rule the country. The state was on the verge of collapse. It was then that Oleg appeared in time. We know little about its origin.
"I will die Rurikovi, I will betray my reign to Olgovi, from the race he exists, having given him my son on the hand of Igor, without a child of a velma",
According to The Tale of Bygone Years, he was a relative of Rurik. According to the Joachim Chronicle, Oleg was the ruler's brother-in-law - the brother of his wife, the Norwegian princess Efanda. And according to a less well-known modern hypothesis, Oleg is not Oleg at all, but Odd Strela, the hero of the Norwegian-Icelandic sagas.
17 years ago Oleg came with Rurik to Staraya Ladoga, being the commander in his squad. Cold and decisive, like all Varangians, barely sitting on the throne, he made it clear that the state is again strong power.
Therefore, when the subordinate tribes rebelled against the high tribute, Oleg applied his favorite tactics. With demonstrative cruelty, he destroyed all the villages that came across to him on the way to the rebellious tribes. Terror fled faster than his troops, paralyzing all resistance, and soon he was recognized as the ruler.
But there remained Novgorod, which has long been distinguished by its love of freedom. The Novgorodians with Rurik had an oral agreement - a row, according to which they kept the Varangian squads. But then with Rurik, and what do they owe to Oleg ?! Then the prince announced that it was him who had been appointed by Rurik as the guardian of his young son. The clatter of weapons sobered the Novgorodians even faster. So, Oleg became a full-fledged prince.
Prophetic Oleg. Hood. S. Suvorov
But simple calm was not enough for this enterprising and ambitious ruler. To rule is to fight. Therefore, Oleg began to prepare for the march to Kiev.
This city, which, like Novgorod, lay on the most important trade route "from the Varangians to the Gremi", Oleg decided to make the capital, having previously captured it, of course. Other princes tried to keep the capital in the middle of the state. Oleg decided that if it was close to the border, it would be easier to attack the neighbors.
An impressive army was required for the campaign, and Rurik decidedenlist the support of Novgorodians. Novgorod merchants also liked this idea - they thought that we would pay tribute to the captured city. And they did not even suspect that the insidious Oleg would make Novgorod a tributary to the new capital.
The preparations went on for 3 years. Oleg methodically made attacks on the neighboring tribes, and the border moved closer and closer to Kiev. And, finally, in 882, a huge army, consisting of the Varangians, Novgorodians, Chud, Vesey, Krivichi, Meru, Slovenian, all went down the Dnieper. Taking Smolensk and Lyubech without a fight,and put his husbands there, not forgetting to take a rich tribute, Oleg moved to Kiev.
Arrival of Prince Oleg to Kiev
Kiev at that time was ruled by two Varangians - Askold and Dir. About 20 years ago, they fought in Rurik's squad, and then took a small detachment and moved south. There they stumbled upon the Dnieper town of Kiev, in which the peace-loving tribe of Polyans lived. Assessing the strategic position of the city, Askold and Dir settled in it and began to take a duty from passing merchants. If someone tried to evade, the ship was captured, the crew was dealt with. Gradually Kiev became a large and prosperous city. Taking him by head-on assault would have cost Oleg a lot of blood. And he decided to act cunningly.
Leaving his army on the outskirts of the city, Oleg with a small handful of soldiers moved to Kiev. At this time, the people of Kiev were just celebrating the feast of the god of fertility Kupala. After waiting in cold blood for the holiday to reach its climax, Oleg ordered to announce to Askold and Dir that his companions, the Varangian merchants, had arrived:
We are merchants, we are going to the Greeks from Oleg and from Igor the prince, but come to your family and to us.
Unsuspecting rulers went to Oleg and were instantly surrounded. The prince said: "You are not princes and not a princely family, but I am a princely family" ... And, pointing at the five-year-old Igor, whom he took with him on the campaign, he said: "And he is the son of Rurik." After that, Askold and Diru were hacked to death with swords. Now Oleg became the ruler of Kiev. Entering the fortress wall, he exclaimed: "Behold the mother of the Russian cities!"
Oleg shows little Igor to Askold and Dir. Miniature from the Radziwill Chronicle (15th century).
Thus, he united the northern and southern centers of the Eastern Slavs. For this reason, it is Oleg, and not Rurik, who is sometimes considered the founder Old Russian state... First of all, Oleg began to strengthen the city to protect it from the steppe nomads, and ordered to build a prince's tower on the highest hill.
The murder of Askold and Dir on the orders of Oleg. Engraving by F. A. Bruni. Before 1839
And Oleg sent the governor to Novgorod to collect tribute. The deceived Novgorodians heard the figure: 300 hryvnia per year (that is, about 70 kg of silver).
But the prince considered the conquest of Kiev only the beginning of his grandiose plans. He was already considering the next idea - a campaign against Constantinople ...
For the next 25 years, Oleg was busy expanding the territory under his control. He subdued Kiev Drevlyans (883), Northerners (884), Radimichs (885). So, to begin with, Oleg conquered the surrounding tribes. He frightened the Drevlyans who lived on the Pripyat River with his favorite tactic - the complete destruction of the first villages that came across. And the Drevlyans pledged to pay tribute to the prince - for a black marten from the smoke (at home). The next year, he got his hands on the radimichs, appointing a hat (small coin) from each plow.
The last two tribal alliances were tributaries of the Khazars. The Tale of Bygone Years left the text of Oleg's appeal to the northerners: “ I am an enemy of the Khazars, so you don't have to pay tribute to them either.". To the Radimichs: " Whom do you pay tribute to?". They answered: "Khazars". And Oleg says: “ Don't give to the Khazars, but give me». « And Oleg owned derevlyans, glades, radimichs, and with- streets and tivertsy imyashe army».
In 898, the Tale of Bygone Years dates the appearance of the Ugrians (Hungarians) near Kiev during their migration to the west, which actually happened several years earlier.
Prepared for the campaign thoroughly: by 907, there were 2,000 boats at the Dnieper berths. Each of the ships contained forty constrictions. This means that Oleg led 80,000 soldiers. But Oleg left the matured Igor in Kiev - "the ruler did not want to share with him neither danger, nor glory."
The fleet of Prince Oleg goes to Constantinople along the Dnieper River. Engraving by F. A. Bruni. Before 1839
It must be said that at the beginning of the 10th century Byzantium experienced an unprecedented prosperity, being at the junction of Europe and Asia, governed by a strong government and perfect laws for that time. She occupied most of the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. The army of Byzantium preserved and multiplied Roman traditions, and incessantly continued the conquests. Therefore, by the time Oleg arrived, the bulk of the army of Emperor Leo XI the Wise was in Syria.
The emperor was not too worried - Constantinople was safely protected by three rings of fortress walls - so he did nothing. Oleg wasted no time. He quickly realized that it was pointless to take the city by storm. Waiting for his arrival ground forces, the prince again resorted to intimidation tactics - he burned out all the surroundings of Constantinople. Oleg succeeded - he forced the emperor to start negotiations. The prince appointed a ransom - two hryvnias for the oarlocks of each boat and the exemption of Russian merchants from duties on the Byzantine market.
Lev, on the other hand, did not refuse, but did not agree, thereby delaying negotiations until the arrival of his army. Oleg got tired of waiting, he interrupted the negotiations and continued to destroy the neighborhood. But the prince had a cunning maneuver: he was going to seize the capital, and the bay, where the ships were stationed, full of goods. The bay was fenced off by a huge chain, so the prince decided to act from land, put the boats on wheels and moved them along the coast. For the Russians it was customary, but the Byzantines were in disarray. Fearing the complete destruction of his fleet, the emperor asked for peace. Here are just Oleg tightened the requirements: he demanded 12 hryvnia for each soldier. Leo had to agree.
Oleg nails his shield to the gates of Constantinople.
Oleg returned triumphant. It was recognized by the only empire of that time. It was then that the people called the prince "prophetic" - that is, wise, foreseeing the future. Although some historians, due to the absence of the fact of Oleg's campaign in 907 in the Byzantine chronicles, consider him a legend.
Reigning 33 years old, Oleg died at a ripe old age. Legend has it that the prince decided to ask the sorcerer about his future. The magician predicted that Oleg would die from his beloved horse. The prince was saddened, but, nothing can be done, he had to part with his friend.
Oleg's meeting with the magician. Artist V. Vasnetsov, illustration for the poem by Alexander Pushkin "The Song of the Prophetic Oleg". 1899 g.
But, remembering the horse a few years later, Oleg learned that he had died. Laughing at the liar-sorcerer, Oleg went to the horse's grave, put his foot on his skull and said: "Should I be afraid of him?" A snake lurked in the skull, and the prince died from its bite.
Oleg at the bones of a horse. V.M. Vasnetsov, 1899
The new heir to the throne Igor and his wife Olga buried Oleg according to an ancient custom: they burned him in a boat. According to some sources, his ashes were buried in Staraya Ladoga, according to others - in Kiev.
V.M. Vasnetsov. Trizna at the grave of Prophetic Oleg (1899). Based on the work of Alexander Pushkin "The Song of the Prophetic Oleg".
Who was Prince Oleg? And why was he called the Prophetic? The wise people in Russia were called the Magi. And this means that Oleg was recognized not just as a ruler, but as a prince-sorcerer, like the princes of Ancient Ruskolani. And these princes-sorcerers, who possessed earthly power and mysterious power, were revered in Russia not only as “grandchildren of the gods”, but also as “acquired gods”.