Nature in the "Lay of Igor's Host". Description of Russian nature in the poem

"The Lay of Igor's Campaign" is certainly one of the most significant works in all ancient Russian literature. The image of nature in the artistic system of the poem plays a very important role. In this article we will talk about it in detail.

The dual function of nature

Nature in the "Lay of Igor's Host" is characterized by the fact that it performs a dual function. She, on the one hand, lives her own life. The creator of the poem describes the landscape that surrounds the characters. On the other hand, it is a means of expressing author's thoughts, his attitude to what is happening.

Nature is a living being

Reading the description of nature in the "Lay of Igor's Campaign," we understand that the author poetically perceives the world around him. He refers to it as a living creature. The author gives nature the qualities that are peculiar to man. In its image, it reacts to events, perceives the surrounding world. In the "Lay of Igor's Host" nature is a separate hero. Since her image is a kind of means by which the author expresses her thoughts, she is a kind of supporter and ally of the Russian troops. We see how nature "worries" for the people. When Igor was defeated, she mourns with this hero. The author writes that the tree bowed to the ground, that the grass drooped.

Union of Man and Nature

In the work of interest to us, the boundaries between man and nature are blurred. People often compare with beasts and birds: a cuckoo, a crow, a falcon, a tour. It is difficult to name a work where changes in nature and events in people's lives would be so closely intertwined. And this unity strengthens the drama, the significance of what is happening. The union of man and nature, with great force unfolded in the work, is a poetic union. For the author, nature is an inexhaustible source of poetic means and a kind of musical accompaniment that gives the act a strong poetic sound.

Description of the second battle

Description of the second battle in the work "The Lay of Igor's Host" is a fragment in which a detailed depiction of nature is presented. The author notes that there were "bloody dawns" that the "dark clouds" are coming from the sea, in which the "blue blues" tremble. He concludes: "Be a great thunder!" Reading the "Lay of Igor's Host" (an excerpt dedicated to the second battle), we feel the emotional tension of the author. We understand that defeat can not be avoided. This view of events is the result of the political views of the creator of the poem. And they consisted in the fact that the Russian troops can defeat the Polovtsians, only by uniting. You can not act alone.

Nature - the highest power

It should also be noted that nature in the "Lay of Igor's Campaign" acts as a kind of higher power capable of predicting events and managing them. For example, before Igor went on a campaign, she warned the Russian troops about the danger threatening them. The author writes: "The sun to him is the dark way to intercede."

How nature participates in an event

Not only to reflect events and warn of danger, nature is used in the "Lay of Igor's Host". She is in the work and an active participant in what is happening. With a request for help to nature appeals Yaroslavna. In it, she sees her assistant and defender. Yaroslavna asks for a "bright and sunny" Sun, the Dnieper and the Wind to help Igor escape from captivity. The princess, addressing them, tries to dispel grief, to find peace of mind. Yaroslavna's weeping is a kind of spell addressed to the forces of nature. The princess encourages them to serve Igor, his "dear frets."

And nature in the "Lay of Igor's Host" responds to this request. She actively helps Yaroslavna's husband to escape. Donetsk spreads the green grass to the prince on the banks, cherishes it on his waves. He dresses Igor with warm fogs, hiding under the canopy of trees. With the help of nature, the prince safely escapes. The way is indicated to him by woodpeckers, and the nightingales sing Igor's songs. Thus, the Russian nature in the "Lay of Igor's Host" helps the prince.

Donetsk, despite the defeat of the troops of the prince, justifies and glorifies this hero. When he returns from captivity, the author notes that "the sun shines on the heavens."

Color Symbolism

The symbolism of color plays an important role in describing nature. It helps us to reveal its semantic meaning. The colors that predominate in the depiction of a particular landscape have a certain psychological load. For the Middle Ages in general, the perception of color as a symbol is characteristic. In the iconography this was very clearly manifested, however, in the literature it found its reflection. Black color, for example, is used to depict tragic events. It symbolizes darkness, is a manifestation of the forces of evil. Blue is a heavenly color. In the works of Old Russian literature he represents the higher forces.

Blue clouds and black lightning tell us that darkness is coming. They testify to the hopelessness of Prince Igor's position . Blue at the same time acts as a kind of sign from above. Suffering, blood symbolizes red color. That is why the author uses it in describing nature during and after the battle. Green symbolizes calm, and silvery - joy and light. Therefore, the author uses them, depicting the escape of Prince Igor.

Expression of the author's thoughts

The description of nature in the "Lay of Igor's Campaign" helps the author poetically and vividly express his political views, his thoughts. When Igor decides to go out on his own, the negative assessment of this decision is given by nature. She seems to be moving to the side of the enemy. During the escape of Igor, who is in a hurry to "bring the guilty head" to Prince Svyatoslav of Kiev, nature helps him. She joyfully welcomes him when he manages to get to Kiev.

One of the best works of Old Russian literature is "The Lay of Igor's Host". The image of Russian nature, represented in it, indicates the great artistic skill and talent of the author. The picture of the Polovtsian steppe, vividly depicted by him, is evidence that the work was created by her eyewitness, perhaps even a participant in the campaign of Igor.