The enemy through the eyes of a medieval scribe:Tatars and Mоskovyty in the "Volyn short chronicle"

Abstract

The goal of the research. To find out how the author of the regional Ukrainian chronicle at the beginning of the 16th century depicts "strangers", who are the enemies of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – Tatars and Moskovyty, and what the difference is between these "strangers" for the chronicler. Methodology. Critical, comparative-historical methods, as well as hermeneutic analysis are applied. Scientific novelty. The principles of depicting the "enemy" (Tatars and Moskovyty) through the prism of the «Volyn short chronicle" are considered in detail.. Conclusions. The author of the "Volyn short chronicle" clearly outlines the distance between "own" and "aliens" – Tatars and Moskovyty. Regarding the Tatars, the distinction between "own" and "alien" is embodied in the opposition of the same faith – other faiths. Moreover, the Orthodox vector is not dominant here: adherents of different faith (Muslims), based on the current situation and the geography of the attack, are opposed by either Christians or Orthodox soldiers. The Tatar raids were perceived by the chronicler as a "natural disaster" ("God›s punishment"), which befell the lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and neighboring countries for the sins of Christians. Regarding Moskovyty: the chronicler includes, first of all, the Grand Duke of Moskva, and together with him "Moskovyty" in the category of "foreigners". Hence, this enemy is personified, has a face. This "stranger" pursues the goal of seizing all the Ruski lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He is strong, insidious, and he does not follow any rules. Therefore, he is mentally different. Note that the principle of faith does not work here (as in the case of the Tatars), because this enemy is monotheistic, but one that neglects human and God's laws.