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Prince Alexander was the son of Grand Duke Yaroslav. His mother's name was Theodosia. Alexander was taller than others, his voice was like a trumpet, and his face was beautiful. He was strong, wise and brave.

A distinguished man from the Western country named Andreyash specially came to look at Prince Alexander. Returning to his own, Andreyash said that he had not met a person like Alexander.

Hearing about this, the king of the Roman faith from the Midnight country wanted to conquer the land of Alexandrov, came to the Neva and sent his ambassadors to Novgorod to Alexander with a notice that he, the king, was taking his land captive.

Alexander prayed in the church of Hagia Sophia, received a blessing from Bishop Spiridon and went to the enemies with a small squad. Alexander did not even have time to send a message to his father, and many Novgorodians did not have time to join the campaign.

The elder of the land of Izhora, who bore the name of Pelugius (in holy baptism - Philip), Alexander was entrusted with a marine patrol. Having reconnoitred the strength of the enemy army, Pelugius went to meet Alexander to tell about everything. At dawn, Pelugius saw a boat sailing on the sea, and on it - the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb. They said that they were going to help their relative Alexander.

Having met Alexander, Pelugius told him about the vision. Alexander ordered not to tell anyone about this.

Prince Alexander entered the battle with the Latins and wounded the king himself with a spear. Six warriors especially distinguished themselves in the battle: Tavrilo Oleksich, Sbyslav Yakunovich, Jacob, Misha, Savva and Ratmir.

The bodies of the killed Latins were also found on the other side of the Izhora River, where Alexander's army could not pass. They were interrupted by an angel of God. The remaining enemies fled, and the prince returned with a victory.

The following year, the Latins again came from the Western country and built a city on Alexander's land. Alexander immediately dug up the city, executed some of the enemies, took others prisoner, and pardoned the third.

In the third year, in winter, Alexander himself went to German soil with a large army. After all, the enemies have already taken the city of Pskov. Alexander liberated Pskov, but many German cities made an alliance against Alexander.

The battle took place on Lake Peipsi. The ice was covered with blood. Eyewitnesses spoke of the army of God in the air, which helped Alexander.

When the prince returned with a victory, the clergy and residents of Pskov solemnly met him at the city walls.

The Lithuanians began to ravage the Alexandrov volosts, but Alexander defeated their troops, and since then they have become afraid of him.

At that time there was a strong king in the Eastern country. He sent ambassadors to Alexander and ordered the prince to come to him in the Horde. After the death of his father, Alexander with a large army came to Vladimir. The news of the formidable prince spread throughout many lands. Alexander, having received a blessing from Bishop Cyril, went to the Horde to Tsar Batu. He honored him and let him go.

Tsar Batu was angry with Andrei, the Suzdal prince (Alexander's younger brother), and his governor Nevrui ruined the Suzdal land. Thereafter Grand Duke Alexander restored cities and churches.

Ambassadors came to Alexander from the Pope. They said that the Pope had sent two cardinals to Alexander, who would speak about the law of God. But Alexander replied that the Russians knew the law, but did not accept teaching from the Latins.

At that time the king Eastern country forced Christians to go camping with him. Alexander came to the Horde to persuade the king not to do this. And he sent his son Dmitry to Western countries. Dmitry took the city of Yuriev and returned to Novgorod.

And Prince Alexander fell ill on his way back from the Horde. He took monastic vows before his death, became a schema-monk, and died on November 14.

The body of Alexander was carried to the city of Vladimir. The Metropolitan, priests and all the people met him in Bogolyubovo. There were screams and crying.

They put the prince in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Metropolitan Kirill wanted to open Alexander's hand in order to put a letter into it. But the deceased himself extended his hand and took the letter… Metropolitan and his steward Sebastian told about this miracle.

Folk - Life of Alexander Nevsky

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I, pitiful and sinful, narrow-minded, dare to describe the life of the holy prince Alexander, son of Yaroslav, grandson of Vsevolodov. Since I heard from my fathers and myself was a witness to his mature age, I was glad to tell about his holy, and honest, and glorious life.<...>

This prince Alexander was born from a merciful and philanthropic father, and most of all - meek, the great prince Yaroslav and from mother Theodosia. As Isaiah the prophet said: Thus says the Lord: "Princes I set, sacred for they are, and I lead them." And verily, his reign was not without God's command.

And he was handsome like no other, and his voice was like a trumpet among the people, his face was like the face of Joseph, whom the Egyptian king appointed the second king in Egypt, and his strength was part of the strength of Samson (1), and God gave him the wisdom of Solomon (2), but his courage is like that of the Roman king Vespasian, who conquered all the land of Judea. One day he prepared to besiege the city of Joatapata, and the townspeople came out and defeated his army. And Vespasian alone remained, and turned those who opposed him to the city, to the city gates, and laughed at his retinue, and reproached her, saying: "They left me alone." So did Prince Alexander - he won, but was invincible.

That is why one of the eminent men of the Western country, from those who call themselves the servants of God, came, wanting to see the maturity of his strength, as in ancient times the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, wanting to listen to his wise speeches. So this one, by the name of Andreash, having seen Prince Alexander, returned to his people and said: "I passed through countries, peoples and did not see such a king among kings, nor a prince among princes."

Hearing about such a prowess of Prince Alexander, the king of the country of Rome (3) from the northern land thought to himself: "I will go and conquer the land of Alexandrov." And he gathered a great force, and filled many ships with his regiments, moved with a huge army, puffing with the spirit of war. And he came to the Neva, intoxicated with madness, and sent his ambassadors, puffed up, to Novgorod to Prince Alexander, saying: "If you can, defend yourself, for I am already here and ruining your land."

Alexander, hearing such words, flared up in his heart, and entered the church of St. Sophia, and, falling on his knees before the altar, began to pray with tears: “God is glorious, righteous, God is great, strong, eternal God, who created heaven and earth and established limits to the peoples, you commanded to live without transgressing the borders of others. And, remembering the words of the prophet, he said: "Judge, Lord, those who offend me and protect them from those who fight with me, take up arms and a shield and stand to help me."

And, having finished his prayer, he stood up and bowed to the archbishop. The archbishop was then Spiridon, he blessed him and released him. The prince, leaving the church, dried up his tears and began to encourage his squad, saying: “God is not in power, but in truth. let us call on our god; they, defeated, fell, but we stood firm and stand upright. Having said this, he went to the enemies with a small squad, not waiting for his large army, but trusting in the holy trinity.

It was sad to hear that his father, the prince great Yaroslav did not know about the invasion of his son, dear Alexander, and he had no time to send a message to his father, for the enemies were already approaching. Therefore, many Novgorodians did not have time to join, as the prince hurried to speak. And he came out against them on Sunday, the fifteenth of July, having great faith in the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb (5).

And there was one man, the elder of the land of Izhora, named Pelugiy, he was entrusted with night guards at sea. He was baptized and lived among his kind, the pagans, but his name was named Philip in holy baptism, and he lived pleasingly, observing fasting on Wednesday and Friday, and therefore God honored him with seeing a wonderful vision that day. Let's talk briefly.

Having learned about the strength of the enemy, he went out to meet Prince Alexander to tell him about the camps of the enemies. He stood by the sea, watching both ways, and spent the whole night without sleep. When the sun began to rise, he heard a strong noise on the sea and saw one platform (6) floating on the sea, and the holy martyrs Boris and Gleb in red robes standing in the middle of the platform, holding their hands on each other's shoulders. The rowers sat as if clothed in darkness. Boris said: "Brother Gleb, let us row, let us help our relative (7) our prince Alexander." Seeing such a vision and hearing these words of the martyrs, Pelugius stood trembling until the nasad disappeared from his eyes.

Shortly after this, Alexander came, and Pelugius, joyfully meeting Prince Alexander, told him alone about the vision. The prince said to him: "Don't tell this to anyone."

After that, Alexander hurried to attack the enemies at the sixth hour of the day, and there was a great slaughter with the Romans, and the prince killed an innumerable multitude, and left the mark of his sharp spear on the face of the king himself.<...>

I heard all this from my master, Grand Duke Alexander, and from others who participated in this battle at that time.<...>

In the second year after the return of Prince Alexander with a victory, they again came from the Western country and built a city on the land of Alexandrov. Prince Alexander soon went and destroyed their city to the ground, and hanged some of them themselves, took others with him, and, having pardoned others, let them go, for he was immensely merciful.

After the victory of Alexandrov, when he defeated the king, in the third year, in winter, he went with great force to the German land, so that they would not boast, saying: "We will conquer the Slavic people."

And the city of Pskov was already taken by them and the German governors were imprisoned. He soon expelled them from Pskov and killed the Germans, but he tied up others and freed the city from the godless Germans, and fought and burned their land and took countless prisoners, and killed others. The Germans, daring, united and said: "Let's go, And we will defeat Alexander, and we will capture him."

When the Germans approached, the guards checked on them. Prince Alexander prepared for battle, and they went against each other, and Lake Peipsi was covered with a multitude of both warriors. Alexander's father, Yaroslav, sent his younger brother Andrei with a large squad to help him. Yes, and Prince Alexander had many brave warriors, as in ancient times with King David, strong and steadfast. So the men of Alexander were filled with the spirit of war, because their hearts were like the hearts of lions, and exclaimed: "O our glorious prince! Now the time has come for us to lay down our heads for you." Prince Alexander raised his hands to heaven and said: "Judge me, God, judge my quarrel with the unrighteous people and help me, Lord ..."

It was then Saturday, and when the sun rose, the opponents came together. And there was a fierce slaughter, and there was a crash from breaking spears and a ringing from the blows of swords, and it seemed that a frozen lake moved, and no ice was visible, for it was covered with blood.

And I heard this from an eyewitness who told me that he saw the army of God in the air, which came to the aid of Alexander. And so he defeated the enemies with the help of God, and they turned to flight, while Alexander cut them down, driving them as if through the air, and there was nowhere for them to hide. Here God glorified Alexander before all the regiments.<...>

And when the prince approached the city of Pskov, the abbots, and the priests, and all the people met him in front of the city with crosses, giving praise to God and glorifying the lord prince Alexander, singing a song to him: “You, Lord, helped meek David defeat the foreigners and the faithful prince with our weapons of faith, free the city of Pskov from foreign pagans by the hand of Alexander."<...>

And his name became famous in all countries, from the sea of ​​Khonuzh and to the mountains of Ararat, and on the other side of the Varangian sea and to the great Rome.<...>

Having worked hard for God, he left the earthly kingdom and became a monk, for he had an immeasurable desire to take on the angelic form. God also vouchsafed him to accept a greater rank - a schema (8). And so, in peace to God, he gave up his spirit on the fourteenth day of the month of November, in memory of the holy Apostle Philip.

Metropolitan Kirill said: "My children, know that the sun of the land of Suzdal has already set!"<...>

It was then a marvelous miracle and worthy of memory. When his holy body was laid in the tomb, then Sebastian the Economist and Cyril the Metropolitan wanted to open his hand in order to put in a spiritual letter. He, as if alive, stretched out his hand and accepted the letter from the Metropolitan's hand. And confusion seized them, and they scarcely departed from his tomb. This was announced to everyone by Metropolitan and Economist Sevastyan. Who would not be surprised at this miracle, because his body was dead and they carried him from distant lands in the winter. And so God glorified his saint.

(1) Samson is a hero who possessed extraordinary physical strength, hidden in his long hair.

(2) Solomon - king of the Israel-Jewish state in 965-928. BC e.; renowned for his extraordinary wisdom.

(3) Country Roman - refers to the Catholic country.

(4) Songmaker - King of the Israeli-Jewish state David (end of the 2nd century - about 950 BC); composed psalms - songs that were sung by singers and people to the glory of the Lord.

(5) Boris and Gleb - sons of Novgorod and Kyiv prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, killed by his brother Svyatopolk; were recognized as saints.

(6) Nasad - a boat.

(7) Relative - one's own, dear, related person.

(8) Schema - a monastic rank.

The history of our country contains many glorious battles. Some of them have gained particular notoriety. For example, almost anyone in a conversation about famous battles will mention Neva battle and Battle on the Ice. It is not surprising, because thanks to these events, Russia was once able to maintain and protect its borders. But the Neva battle, and Battle on the Ice could have ended more disastrously if not for great commander who led our troops - Alexander Nevskiy.

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short biography

began May 13, 1221. His father was Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, and his mother was Rostislava Mstislavna. The boy's childhood passed in Pereyaslavl-Zalessky, but it did not last long. Already at the age of nine, Alexander was sent to rule Novgorod along with his brother Fedor. In 1233, Fedor died, and three years later Yaroslav Vsevolodovich left for Kyiv.

In this way, Alexander became the sole ruler of Novgorod at the age of 15.

Personal life

In 1239, the prince found family happiness in Toropets with Princess Alexandra of Polotsk. The wedding took place in the church of St. George. This marriage resulted in the birth of several children:

• Basil - 1240;
• Dmitry - 1250;
• Andrew - 1255;
• Daniel - 1261;
• Evdokia.

Neva battle

Alexander began to be called Nevsky, thanks to battle on the Neva. This battle brought the prince worldwide fame. The Battle of the Neva took place in 1240 on the banks of the Neva River. The battle was against the Swedes, who wanted to capture Pskov and Novgorod. It is noteworthy that Alexander's army, without the support of the main army, was able to defeat the enemy. Before the battle, the prince went out to the troops with words of support, which have survived to this day thanks to the annals.

These words inspired the warriors, and they were able to win a confident and crushing victory. The Swedes suffered huge losses and were forced to retreat.

In spite of successful outcome of the Neva battle, Alexander had a conflict with the Novgorodians, and the prince was forced to leave the city. But in 1241, the Livonian Order, consisting of German and Danish troops, invaded the territory of Novgorod. Novgorodians were forced to turn to the prince for help. Alexander did not disappoint - having come with his army, he liberated the cities captured by the Livonian Order, and then led his troops to the enemy border. There, on Lake Peipus, the decisive battle took place.

Battle on the Ice

April 5, 1242 on the ice of Lake Peipsi met the troops of Alexander Nevsky and Livonian Order. Thanks to the cunning tactics of the prince, the enemy troops were surrounded from the flanks and defeated. The remnants of the detachments tried to escape from the battlefield, running away across the frozen lake. For 7.4 km they were pursued by princely troops.

There are several versions of this chase. Very popular information is that the soldiers of the Livonian Order were dressed in heavy armor. The thin ice of Lake Peipus could not bear their weight and cracked. Therefore, most of those enemies who survived drowned. However, Wikipedia mentions that this information appeared only in later sources. But in the records made in the coming years after the battle, nothing is said about this.

Anyway, The battle on the ice was decisive. After him, a truce was concluded and for the cities of Russia there was no longer a threat from the Order.

Years of government

Alexander became famous not only for victories in famous battles. He understood that battles alone were not enough to protect the country. Therefore, in 1247, after the death of Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, Alexander went on a visit to the Horde Khan Batu. The negotiations were successful, so the prince was in control Kiev principality, and his brother Andrey - Vladimir.

In 1252 Andrei renounced the principality of Vladimir and fled. This almost provoked a new conflict with the Tatar-Mongols, but Alexander again paid a visit to the Horde. Thus, he achieved the opportunity to manage the Vladimir principality.

In the future, Alexander continued to adhere to the same line of behavior. This policy is perceived in two ways by society. Many considered and consider Nevsky practically a traitor, not understanding why he was constantly in contact with the Horde. In addition, Nevsky not only visited the khans, but also contributed in every possible way to the implementation of their plans. For example, in 1257, Alexander helped the Horde to conduct a census of the population of Russia, against which the whole people were. And in general, in relations with the Tatar-Mongols, he showed humility and, without stint, paid tribute.

On the other hand, thanks to such a policy, he was able to free Russia from the obligation to provide the Horde with troops for military campaigns and saved the country from the Tatar-Mongol raids. The main thing for him was the survival, both of his own and of the whole people. And he successfully coped with this task.

Death

During the next visit to the Tatar-Mongols, which took place in 1262, Prince Alexander Nevsky became very ill. By the time he returned to his homeland, his condition was very serious. Before his death, the prince managed to accept Orthodoxy under the name of Alexy. His life ended on November 14, 1263, the funeral took place in the Vladimir Nativity Monastery.

Curious facts

At the lesson of literature, we got acquainted with the Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky, which reveals the theme of courage and struggle against the invaders of the Russian land. Such works cause pride in the past and allow you to get to know the heroes, brave rulers and warriors. So, the story of life tells us about, where the author tells readers about three events in which Alexander takes part. It was the Battle of the Neva and the Battle of the Ice, where the battle was fought respectively with the Swedes and the German crusaders. A trip to the Horde is also described, where the author reports on the prince's attempt to weaken its influence. The author himself is unknown, but the story says that he personally knew the prince and was a witness to all the events. To understand the main idea of ​​the story, which belongs to the hagiographic genre, we suggest reading its brief plot.

In the Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky, we meet Yaroslav, as well as his wife Theodosia. They have a boy, who is called Alexander. As the author writes, the boy grew up wise and courageous. He was tall and admired, so every guest in Yaroslav's house tried to look at him. When Alexander grew up, the ruler of the northern state decided to attack the Russian lands. Having learned about the goals of the ruler of the northern country, Alexander receives the blessing of the clergyman and goes on a campaign against ill-wishers. Alexander went on a campaign, without waiting for help from his father's army. The foreman of the naval guard reported to Alexander about the number of enemy forces, and also said that a ship was sailing on the sea, in which there were saints Gleb and Boris. They were sent to help Nevsky. The prince will ask the elder not to tell anyone about this. And the battle begins. The army of Prince Nevsky is fighting selflessly, and Alexander personally wounded the Swedish Tsar. As it turned out, the enemy also fell on the other side, although the Russian soldiers did not fight there. As the author writes, the enemy fell from the hand of God. As a result, the prince returned back as a winner.

A year later, our lands are attacked from the West. The invaders are even building a city on princely land. But Alexander Nevsky quickly corrected everything, and having razed the city to the ground, he killed all the enemies. A year later, Alexander himself decides to go to Pskov, which was captured by the Germans and the war was almost won, as knights of other German orders began to join the enemy. And then there was a big battle on Lake Peipsi. As the author writes in the story about the life of Alexander Nevsky, the water surface was red with blood. But Alexander was again helped by God's forces and the battle was again won.

According to the author of the story, a sovereign ruled from the eastern part of the Russian state in the Mongol Empire. And Khan Batu wished to meet with Alexander, sending messengers to him. The prince did not think long and went to visit him. Our hero was admired by Batu. Having expressed his respect, he accompanied Alexander home. Alexander Nevsky was an excellent ruler who did not leave his younger brother, who ruled Suzdal, in trouble. When Batu destroyed this city, angry with the prince, Alexander restored it and rebuilt it.

From the Pope of Rome, the prince had an offer to convert to his faith, but Alexander Nevsky had his own Orthodox faith, which he was not going to betray.

There was also a case when Batu wanted to reunite with Christians in order to fight together, but Alexander immediately went to Mongolia and asked not to involve his people in wars. Just returning from Mongolia, Alexander became very ill. Feeling his death, he expresses a desire to become a monk. The wish of the prince was fulfilled. Soon Alexander dies.

As the author of the story about the life of Alexander writes, his body was in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. There was an unexplained incident. When the monks tried to insert the letter of absolution into the hand of the deceased, he held it out and took the sheet. All this was considered a manifestation of God.

"The Life of Alexander Nevsky" is dedicated to Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich - the great commander and wise ruler. The story was supposed to show that despite the submission to the Horde, there were princes in Russia who were ready to resist the enemies of the Russian land, and their valor and courage inspire respect for other peoples.

Creation date and author

The work was written in Vladimir in the Nativity Monastery, where the prince is buried. According to D.S. Likhachev, Metropolitan Kirill was involved in writing the Life of Alexander Nevsky, a summary of which is presented below. By composition, separate stylistic devices and phraseological units "The Tale" is close to the works in which he took part. Cyril died in 1280, so the researchers are sure that the story was written between 1263 and 1280.

This is evidenced by a number of characteristic features of the story, written in the hagiographic genre. Firstly, in the preface, the author talks about himself with emphatic self-deprecation, which corresponds to the canons of this genre: "thin and sinful." Secondly, he tells about the prince's parents and his birth, which also corresponds to the spirit of hagiography. Thirdly, the story of the miracle after Alexander's death is also hagiographic in nature. And, finally, digressions are made in the text, which have a church-rhetorical character.

The author of the work at the very beginning of the story reports that he knew the prince personally and witnessed his military exploits. The wording “I am a self-seeer” gives every reason to assert this. According to researchers, in hagiographic works, the authors always report where the details about the hero's life are known. Such a formulation is not recorded in any hagiography and is encountered for the first time. And there is every reason to believe that Metropolitan Kirill took part in compiling the biography.

Prince Alexander

The story "The Life of Alexander Nevsky", a summary of which you are reading, begins with a preface by the author, reporting that he heard about Prince Alexander "from his fathers." He is glad to tell about the holy and glorious life of this great man, since he himself became a witness to it. Calling on the help of the Holy Mother of God and Prince Alexander, the author continues the story with a story about the parents of the hero of the story.

Alexander's father Yaroslav was a merciful, meek and peaceful prince. The mother of the hero of the story was called Theodosia. The book of Isaiah says that the Lord himself puts a person on a principality. Indeed, the reign of Prince Alexander was not without God's blessing. He was handsome, like Joseph, who became the second after the Egyptian king. Strong was Alexander, like Samson. And the Lord gave him wisdom to Solomon. He was brave and invincible, like King Vespasian, who conquered Judea.

One eminent servant of God came from the West to see with his own eyes the maturity of the power of Prince Alexander. So the Queen of Sheba went to Solomon. Andreash returned to his people and said that he had seen many peoples, but he had not met anyone like Alexander.

In continuation of the brief content of "The Life of Alexander Nevsky" it is necessary to clarify that the author of the story almost does not name the opponents. In this episode, he calls the Swedish king "the king from the Midnight Land." Heard about the valor of Alexander and decided to conquer the land of the prince. He gathered a great army, equipped many ships and came, flaming with the spirit of war, to the Neva. And he sent his ambassadors to Novgorod to tell the prince that he had come to destroy his land, let him defend himself if he could.

Turning to God for help

Prince Alexander was kindled in his heart and entered the church with a prayer to the Lord, who commanded all peoples to live without crossing the borders of others. The prince raised his hands to him and asked the Lord to take a shield and protect him from enemies. Having finished his prayer, the prince got up from his knees and asked for blessings from Archbishop Spiridon.

Leaving the church, Prince Alexander told his retinue that God is in truth, and not in power. Those who were with weapons and on horses were defeated and fell, only the one who will be with the name of the Lord on his lips will stand. Trusting in the Holy Trinity, the prince did not wait for the "large army" and set out "with a small squad." Enemies were approaching, so there was no time for Alexander to send news to his father Yaroslav. Because of this, many Novgorodians did not join him, because they did not know about the enemy’s attack.

Battle on the Neva

We continue to transmit a summary of the "Life of Alexander Nevsky" with the author's story about the elder Pelugia, who was assigned to watch the sea. He lived among the Gentiles, but was baptized, given the name Philip. He lived pleasing to God, fasted twice a week, and the Lord honored this obedient man with a wonderful vision.

All night he stood by the sea and watched both ways. And in the morning, at sunrise, he heard a strong noise from the sea and saw a sailing boat - the martyrs Boris and Gleb stood on each other's shoulders. They were in red clothes, and the rowers were dressed in darkness. Boris turned to Gleb with a request that he ordered to row, as Prince Alexander needed help. Seeing and hearing the martyrs, the elder stood there until the nasad disappeared.

Having met Alexander, Pelugius told him about the vision. After Prince Alexander attacked his enemies and there was a great battle with the Romans. They died innumerable. And the prince left the imprint of his spear on the face of the king himself. Six warriors from Alexander's squad behaved bravely and with dignity in this battle, as the prince himself told the author of this story.

Let's continue to give a summary of the "Tale of the Life of Alexander Nevsky" by comparing the author of the battle for Jerusalem under King Hezekiah and the battle of Alexander. As in ancient times, the Angel of the Lord came and laid down countless Assyrian troops, so it was after the victory of the prince. On the other side of the Izhora, where Alexander's squad could not go, they found countless dead enemy soldiers, slain by the Angel of the Lord. The prince returned from the campaign with victory, praising the name of the Lord.

Battle on the Ice

Then the author, without focusing on the many victories of the prince, mentions them in abbreviation. Summary “The Life of Alexander Nevsky” will continue with a description of the famous battle on Lake Peipus. Three years after the victory of the prince, the Germans decided to conquer the Slovenian people. They occupied the city of Pskov, even put a governor in it. Prince Alexander with his retinue liberated the city and captured many prisoners.

The Germans then gathered a large army and marched against Alexander. Lake Peipus was covered with dead soldiers of both. Yaroslav, Alexander's father, sent his youngest son Andrei with a squad to help the prince. When the opponents came together, there was a fierce battle. The frozen lake seemed to move, for it was covered with blood so that no ice could be seen.

The author of the story heard this from an eyewitness of those events, who saw that the army of God had come to help Alexander. The enemy turned to flight, and the one who said that he would capture Alexander was handed over to the prince. Alexander returned with a glorious victory, leading many captives. All the people with priests met the winner with crosses, praising and glorifying the name of God.

Journey to Horde

The name of Alexander became famous in all countries. At the same time, the Lithuanian princes began to plunder the lands of Alexander. He went out and beat them. Once Alexander won seven regiments in one trip. Heard about his glory, one Eastern king, who conquered many nations, and sent ambassadors to the prince, saying that Alexander should come to look at his power.

Bishop Kirill blessed Alexander and he went to the Horde. Tsar Batu saw him and said that they told him the truth about Alexander - there is no prince like him. But Batu was angry with the youngest son of Yaroslav Andrei, and sent the governor to ruin the land of Suzdal. Prince Alexander after this gathered the dispersed people into their homes, rebuilt cities and erected churches. And according to his Word, God filled the land of Alexander with wealth and prolonged his years.

Messengers from Rome

We continue the summary of the Life of Prince Alexander Nevsky. Once the Pope of Rome sent cardinals to Alexander to tell him about their faith. The prince gathered the wise men and wrote an answer to the pope that they knew everything from Adam to the seventh Council, and they would not accept another teaching. Then the infidels persecuted Christians all over the earth, forcing them to fight on their side. Alexander went to Batu to pray for his people from this misfortune.

The son of Dmitry with his regiments was sent by the prince to the West. He conquered the German land and returned to Novgorod with a great victory. His father Alexander returned from the Horde and fell ill. The prince worked hard on earth, and before his death he decided to become a monk and accepted the schema. Soon he gave his spirit to the Lord. His holy body was carried to Vladimir, where they met him with candles and censers, and each of the great multitude of people who were here wanted to touch the holy body.

We conclude the very brief content of the "Life of Alexander Nevsky" with a description of the miracle that occurred on the day of Alexander's funeral. They laid his body in the Church of the Nativity, when an amazing thing happened: Metropolitan Kirill tried to unclench the prince's fingers in order to put in a spiritual letter, but the prince, as if alive, raised his hand and took the letter from Kirill's hands. Confusion seized everyone, and they retreated from his tomb.

Writing feature

As can be seen from the story, the author's task was not to compile complete biography Alexandra. He spoke about the main episodes of his life, which would allow him to recreate his heroic image of a smart politician, valiant warrior and the commander - about the victories on Lake Peipsi, on the Neva, about his visit to the Horde and the answer to the Pope.

The author of the life does not name exact dates, he is not always consistent in the presentation of events. But the story is full of quotations and analogies from the Bible, which are not given in summary. In the legend "On the Life of Alexander Nevsky" the narrator wanted to emphasize with these comparisons the eternal and timeless nature of the prince's deeds, to give them majesty. Constantly mentioning the heavenly patronage of Alexander, the author of the story sought to show that even “God despises” them, helps them, “bestows and shows” his mercy.