The phraseology "Valaam Oswitsa": meaning, origin

Many phraseological units appeared in the Russian language due to myths and legends. "Valaam's donkey" is a good example of such speech turnover. Its meaning can bring to the stupor a person who is not familiar with the history of Valaam and his animal. To understand what this stable construction means, the information contained in this article will help.

"Valaam's donkey": who is so called

Most often this phraseology is used in an ironic sense. "Valaam's donkey" - who can they call that? For example, a person throughout his life shows submission and humility, allows others to lead themselves. But one day he gets bored, he starts to protest against what he considers unjust. It is interesting that in this case, speech turnover can be used not only in relation to women, but also to representatives of the stronger sex.

"Valaam's donkey" is a phraseology that is relevant not only in the situation that is discussed above. So people can call a fair sex representative, who demonstrates the utmost stubbornness, rudeness, ill-manner. In this case, the speech turnover takes on an abusive character.

The Biblical Parable

What is the origin of phraseology "Valaam's donkey"? He appeared in Russian with one famous biblical parable. She tells about the warlock Valaam, who lives in the town of Pefor, which is on the river Euphrates.

The story begins with the fact that the ancient Israelis, who have just conquered Zaordania, plan a devastating attack on the Canaanite land promised by God. Moab, the ruler of a state that borders Canaan, rightly fears manifestations of aggression from potential neighbors. However, the forces that the tsar has at his disposal are too small to provide worthy resistance to the enemy. Therefore, Moab is compelled to call for help the dark forces. The ruler turns to Balaam and suggests that he spoil the ancient Israelites.

Stubborn donkey

And here is "Valaam's donkey"? The meaning of phraseology is revealed above, but its origin remains a mystery. Valaam does not immediately agree to help the king, who addressed him. However, after long deliberation, it is still decided to go to Moab. This way the warlock intends to do the riding on the donkey.

Unexpectedly, the path to the magician is blocked by the angel whom God directed to him. As a result, the animal on which he travels, strayed. Valaam is furious, beating the donkey. She is indignant at this injustice, which forces her to speak in a human voice.

The donkey tells his master that he has always served him faithfully. This causes the Warlock to repent and make peace with the faithful animal. It is thanks to this story that the speech turnover of the "Valaam's donkey" appeared. The meaning of phraseology now becomes clear.

Examples from the literature

Today, this stable design is rarely found in conversational and written speech, but was once very popular. For example, the expression was used by Maxim Gorky in his work "Foma Gordeev". "Valaam's ass" - so ironically the old father calls his always submissive daughter, who suddenly decided to complain.

Also to this expression the author of Koptiaev resorted in his work "Daring". This speech turnover uses one of the heroes, which tells about a woman who, despite the professorship, says something stupid.

Rembrandt's Painting

"Valaam's donkey" is a speech revolution, which is liked not only by writers, but also by artists. This is how he called one of his famous paintings a brilliant Rembrandt. Work on this work of art master completed in 1628. At that time, Dutch artists often turned to biblical subjects.

It is interesting that the genius has other works that are very similar to the picture "Valaam's donkey", if you rely on the opinions of critics. For example, "Feast of Belshazzar", "Return of the Prodigal Son", "Jeremiah", "Samson and Delilah", "Sacrifice of Abraham" and so on. It is possible that the similarity is limited by the fact that the plots of all works are borrowed from the Old Testament.

It is curious that the teacher, who was engaged in Rembrandt, painted a picture with a similar name. However, "Valaam's donkey" in his performance turned out not so stunning, the student surpassed his teacher in mastery.

The work of the brilliant Rembrandt can be seen by everyone in the Parisian museum, which is called Cognac-Je.

How right?

The order of words in this case is absolutely irrelevant. If you want, you can say "donkey Valaamov", this option will also be correct.