Oleg Meeting the Magus.
1899.
Watercolor on paper.
The Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.
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Oleg's farewell to his horce.
1899.
Watercolor on paper.
State Literature Museum, Moscow, Russia.
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Oleg at his horse's remains.
1899.
Watercolor on paper.
State Literature Museum, Moscow, Russia.
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"Oleg Veschy Prince-legend, the puzzle-Prince ... In the life of this great ruler of secrets would be enough for ten ... Varangians cunning and cruel, he came to Russia as a mercenary, to eventually become one of the Russian princes. The great ruler, the great warrior, a great wise men, he assembled a Fragmented iron hand Slavic tribes together. He won a new land, "Hazara otmstil unreasonable" and arrived at the gates of his shield Tsargrada, forcing proud Byzantium recognize Rus equal. He rules so long that many have considered not only Veschim Prince, but did almost immortal, and his mysterious death of Pushkin inspired to create lyrics that have become unofficial anthem of the Russian army. It starts with Oleg Veschego golden era of Old Russia - one of the strongest states in Europe to be reckoned with all neighbours.
Pushkin's poem "The Song of Oleg the Wise" is well known in Russia. Oleg comes upon a soothsayer who predicts that his horse will cause his death; in consequence the Prince hands over the beast to retainers so that he should never set eyes on it again. Some years later he hears of its death, and, pouring scorn on soothsayers, goes to visit its remains. As he stands by the skeleton a poisonous snake issues from the skull, dealing him a fatal bite and thus fulfilling the prophecy.
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