The phenomenon of spiritual combat in A.I. Odoevsky's narrative poem “Vasilko”

The article studies a little-known work composed by the Decembrist poet A. I. Odoevsky while he was imprisoned at hard labour in Siberia and published half a century later. The plot is based on a tragic event that happened in 11th century described in a chronicle as a story about a prince who had been taken into captivity and blinded by his close relatives, the oath breakers. The semantics of artistic images is analysed at symbolic, mythopoetic and biblical levels. The main focus of attention is on the personalities of the hero and his ideological adversaries, on contrasting their value systems. Psychological analysis reveals a complex inner world both of the protagonist and antagonists. A comparative study of the poem and the chronicles and “History of the Russian State” by N. M. Karamzin shows that Odoevsky’s work differs from the historical sources in a number of important details, it presents an image of a nearly ideal person. Vasilko Rostislavich is depicted as a smart and honourable ruler, taking a keen interest in the ways his country goes as well as a good care of his kin. Folklore elements in the portrayal of the protagonist are used to highlight the traits of a folk hero imbued with heroic spirit of patriotism. Idealization of Vasilko, the Prince of Terebovl perfectly suits the purpose the poet pursues - to show a real hero who is driven by Christian ideas. It is specified that the motives of humbleness and entrusting yourself to God are of paramount importance to the plot structure of the poem, while among the ideological oppositions Christianity - paganism and earthly-divine appear to be the central ones. It is concluded that the structure of the artistic conflict in the poem is defined by the two colliding forces: Christians and idolaters who are fiercely fighting them and, as a result, become servants of the devil.