THE NARRATION ON “THE ELEVATION OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT TO HEAVENS” IN THE OLD RUSSIAN CULTURE

Abstract

Th e article off ers analyzes of the popular narration on the Elevation of Alexander the Great to Heavens in the Old Russian tradition. Th is plot took its origin from Alexandria — the story of Alexander where they told how the tsar ordered to catch two huge birds, to bind them to a basket in which he could fl ight to heavens. In the medieval iconography the birds were oft en placed with griffi ns to mark a special sacred meaning of the event. Since ancient times, griffi ns had been interpreted as psychopomps. In the Christian tradition they also symbolized the double nature of Jesus Christ, that is why their images were used in the church decoration and on ritual objects. We are to analyze the reasons of the popularity of the narration in the Russian religious culture. We argue that the plot could be interpreted in various ways depending on its context. Th e Elevation of Alexander the Great to Heavens can be perceived as a symbol of the sacred tsar’s authority, as spiritual restoration of humans and as a Christological image and a reminiscence of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Refs 13.

Keywords:

Christology, religious art, sacred power