Confrontation between Moscow and Tver in Ustyuzha Chronicle: an Original Look at Famous Events

Category: Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature: Issue 22
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Author: Ekaterina A. Andreeva
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Ekaterina A. Andreeva, PhD in Philology, Senior Researcher, A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Povarskaya 25 a, 121069 Moscow, Russia.

ORСID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8829-3084

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
For citation:

Andreeva E.A. “Confrontation between Moscow and Tver in Ustyuzha Chronicle: an Original Look at Famous Events.” Germenevtika drevnerusskoi literatury [Hermeneutics of Old Russian Literature]. Issue 22. Ed.-in-chief O.A. Tufanova. Moscow, IWL RAS Publ., 2023, pp. 385–406. (In Russian) https://doi.org/10.22455/HORL.1607-6192-2023-22-385-406 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22455/HORL.1607-6192-2023-22-385-406
UDC: 821.161.1.0
Keywords: Ustyuzha Chronicle, Moscow, Tver, confrontation, saint, prince.
Date of publication: 20.09.2023

Abstract:

The article examines how the confrontation between Moscow and Tver, which unfolded in the 14th century, was interpreted in the late Russian chronicle of the 16th century. The principalities fought for the right to become the center of unification of Russian lands. We can conditionally define four periods in the confrontation. The selection of material and characterization of the princes’ actions make it possible to talk about the Moscow view of events. During the compilation of the Ustyuzha Chronicle, Moscow had already taken a leading position, which was reflected in the selection of facts. The main opponent of the Moscow princes, Mikhail Yaroslavich Tverskoy, has not yet been officially canonized. Therefore, in the chronicle he is deprived of positive characteristics that could serve as a justification for his holiness. Ustyuzha chronicle shows how the Tver princes are leaving the political arena: three were executed in the Horde, the last one lost the support of other Russian princes, discredited himself with the desire to achieve the grand duchy in any way. The Moscow princes were gradually strengthening their authority. This is especially evident in the characterization of Ivan Kalita and Dmitry Donskoy. A desire to present the Moscow princes from the best side and reduce the virtues of Tver princes makes it possible to say that the theme of confrontation between Moscow and Tver was reflected in the chronicle and was presented from one side.

REFERENCES

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