University of Virginia Library

The Fair Sun Prince Vladimir

TWO noted historical personages are combined in
the courteous Prince Vladimir of the bylinas—
Saint Vladimir Svyatoslavich, who established
Christianity in Russia in the year 988, and died in 1015;
and Vladimir Monomachus, who was born in 1053,
and died in 1125. Both are celebrated in the Chronicles
for their feasts, and the latter's courtesy is frequently
referred to. His name Vladimir, Vladyki-Miri, Ruler
of the World, chances to express his most ancient
mythical signification. His peculiar title, "Fair Sun,"
renders it even more apparent. It has taken the place
in Russian tradition of the most ancient name of the
divinity of the heavens and the Sun. If not identical
with the Volos[2] of the Chronicles, it stands at least
in close philological relationship with him, and with
the Semitic Baal or Bel.

He does not represent the active principle of light
and warmth, however, but the passive. He paces his
banquet hall, the heavens, and serves his guests with
wine, but relegates all active duties to his heroes. His
distinctive appellation is courteous, as good is that of
French and Spanish epic kings (le bon roy, el buen rey),
or of King Arthur. But as the Sun can be not only
clear or courteous, but burning and oppressive, so
Vladimir is, on occasion, both oppressive and discourteous,

as these songs show. In one omitted here, Prince
Vladimir despatches young Sukman Odikmantievich
to shoot game for his table. Sukman finds none, but
destroys an innumerable host of Tatars. When he
reports to Vladimir on his return, the Prince does not
believe him, orders him to be thrown into a dungeon,
and sends heroes to examine into the truth of the story.
Convinced at last, he releases Sukman, who kills himself
for grief at his prince's treatment.

Many marriages of heroes are mentioned in these
epic songs besides Vladimir's, and in the epics of other
nations marriage is a frequent topic. Students of
comparative mythology are agreed in regarding these
marriages as variations of the same theme; viz. the
union of a bright and beneficent male principle with
an obscure and noxious female principle, taken from
the realm of darkness.