Daniel and Ragnarök: Hybrid Mentality in the Pictorial Tradition of Early Rus’

Byzantine culture and aesthetics had a significant impact on the imagery of early Rus’—and not unidirectionally, but rather in form cross-cultural dialogue. Both traditional visual arts monumental temple architecture often present symbolic diversity as consequence cultural hybridism. So, through Biblical canon aesthetics, one can clearly see subjects symbols regional pre-Christian traditions. The motive to write this essay іs based study Professor Nadiia Nikitenko frescoes St. Sophia Cathedral Kyiv, represented issue. Observing missing South Tower image recorded by F. Solntsev 1871, researcher interprets wolf-like two-headed monster hero with weapon if sprouting from it, Last Battle confrontation between Fenrir Odin (emphasizing his bird-like helmet) (Fig. 1b). These parallels have brought about number remarks that we develop our research. scene (often two mirrored ones) is popular subject art Middle Ages 2, Fig. 3), which originated within civilizations East 4–3rd millennia BC, inspiring biblical origin. “Daniel Lions’ Den” spread among population Dnieper, British Isles, Northern Europe especially 6–7th centuries, then 11-12th. In Vendel-Scandinavian context, similar compositions are interpreted depiction Ragnarök: vs Odin, or Tyr (and insist very were initially fight Battle, while / Wotan leader Valhalla should struggled mistress Hel before “classic” Eddic model was spread). opinion, it coincidence these scenes massive middle 6th century: probability Climate disaster 536 AD Justinian Plague connection European near eschatological mood claimed, well Nordic soteriology formation at time. Therefore, even images Christian (Byzantine) origin be perceived context native worldview Europe. Next time ideas erupted 1000 existed for some after. “Confrontation Scene” also has both Hellenic Scandinavian reading: Hercules defeats hellish dog Cerberus Infernal forces and, same time, Víðarr, son who Fenrir-wolf. Ragnarök-related mythology, he only few survived end Universe. Víðarr brings hope begins new kingdom renewed earth. assume circumstance decoration death Volodymyr war Yaroslav brothers throne Kyiv. Among Varyags elite, Yaroslav’s triumph could been seen such renewal.