Characters
Boris
Boris, a Russian prince from the annals of history, breathed his last in 1078. He was the grandson of the notable Yaroslav I. In the narrative, the author illustrates Boris as a paragon of princely imprudence, highlighted in lines 245-50.
Boyan
Boyan, the minstrel and poet of yore, wove melodies extolling the valor of Russian princes. Though he never steps into the epic's spotlight, the author repeatedly invokes him, lauding his mastery as a bard. Boyan is affectionately dubbed the "nightingale of ancient days."
David of Smolensk
David, who departed this world in 1198, was Rurik's brother and a warrior against the Kumans in 1183. The author passionately entreats him and his sibling to seek vengeance for Igor's defeat.
Euphrosyne
Euphrosyne, better known as Yaroslavna, stands as Igor's devoted wife. In the epic's twilight, she pours her heart out in a lament to the wind, river, and sun, baring her profound love for Igor and mourning for his fallen comrades.
Gzak
Gzak, a fierce Kuman fighter, gives chase to Igor after his daring escape.
Igor, Prince of Novgorod-Seversk
Igor, the valiant prince, spearheads the Russian assault on the Kumans. His spirit is painted with bravery and a thirst for the clash of arms. His passion for glory and warfare stirs his men, as he declares, "It is better indeed to be slain / than to be enslaved" (96-7). He is steadfast, willing to claim victory or meet his end on the battlefield. Loyalty to his brother Vsevolod underscores his resolve, yet his zeal blinds him to nature's ominous signs. Despite being rebuked for his overreaching ambition, his escape and return are celebrated, enveloping the Russian land in jubilation. A family man at heart, his wife and son journey alongside him into the fray.
Ingvar of Galich
Ingvar, a prince who died in 1202, is implored by the author to aid in avenging Russia's calamity.
Izyaslav
Izyaslav, who fell in the Battle of Gorodets in 1162 against the Lithuanians, is remembered as a warrior of courage and valor.
Konchak
A trusted ally of Gzak, Konchak, another Kuman warrior, relentlessly pursues Igor after his escape.
Mstislav of Peresopnits
Mstislav, who passed in 1224, fought side by side with Roman of Galich, conquering numerous realms and earning high praise from the author.
Mstislav of Tmutorakan
Mstislav, who departed in 1036, was Yaroslav I's brother and is celebrated in lines 26-28 as a formidable warrior.
Oleg, Prince of Chernigov and Tmutorokan
Oleg, also renowned as Oleg Malglory, was Igor's grandfather, remembered for his death in 1115. The narrative does not bring him to the forefront, but the author recalls his actions, attributing to him the instigation of feuds among Russian princes.
Ovlur
Ovlur, loyal servant to Igor, plays a crucial role in aiding Igor's escape from captivity.
Roman of Galich
Roman, who met his end in 1205, was a warrior of great might. In tandem with Mstislav of Peresopnits, he is commended for triumphing over many nations, including the Hins, Lithuanians, and Kumans.
Roman of Tmutorakan
Roman, who passed in 1079, was the sibling of Igor's grandfather. He receives mention only once within the epic's verses, in lines 26-28.
Rostislav
Rostislav of Pereyaslavl was a prince who met a watery end in the River Stugna, a tributary of the River Dnieper, in 1093 during a retreat following a clash with the Kumans.
Rurik of Belgarod
Rurik, who died in 1215, was a Russian prince celebrated by the author for his battlefield prowess. He led troops against the Kumans in 1183, and the author calls upon him to avenge Igor’s downfall.
Svyatoslav III
Svyatoslav...
(This entire section contains 1084 words.)
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III, who departed in 1194, was Igor's first cousin and the Prince of Kiev, wielding considerable influence among Russian nobility. The author portrays him as a model of wisdom and leadership, instilling fear in the Kumans and achieving victories over them. His "golden" words are quoted as he admonishes Igor for his reckless actions, which brought sorrow to his prince.
Vladimir of Putivl
Vladimir, Igor's son, who, at a tender age of twelve, joins his father on the battlefield. He is briefly mentioned when two Kuman warriors debate ending his life due to Igor's escape. In the epic's conclusion, Vladimir receives praise among the Christian knights battling pagan forces.
Volodimir, Prince of Pereyaslavl
Volodimir, injured while valiantly defending against a Kuman assault on Pereyaslavl, succumbed to his wounds in 1187.
Vseslav of Polotsk
Prince Vseslav of Polotsk, believed by many to wield magical powers, traversed the land shrouded in a blue haze, akin to a werewolf. He triumphed over Novgorod, suffered a defeat at the River Nemiga, and briefly ruled Kiev. The bard Boyan celebrates him, stating, "Neither the guileful nor the skillful, / neither bird [not pard],/ can escape God's judgment” (676-78).
Vsevelod, Prince of Suzdal
Vsevelod, who later became known as Vsevelod III, died in 1212. He stands as a formidable prince, lauded by the author for the sheer strength of his forces. (He should not be confused with Igor's brother, Vsevelod.)
Vsevolod
Vsevolod, the brother of Ingvar, is beseeched by the author, alongside his
brother, to rally to Russia's defense.
Vsevolod, Prince of Trubchevsk and Kursk
Vsevolod, the brother of Igor, strides into the annals of legend with the fearsome monikers of Wild Bull and Fierce Bull, renowned for his indomitable prowess on the battlefield. It is he who fervently motivates Igor to embark on the daring military expedition. Even as Igor's forces scramble to ready themselves, Vsevolod's own battalion stands poised, eager to charge into the heart of Kuman territory. With an unwavering pride in the bravery and martial artistry of his warriors, Vsevolod fights with unmatched courage, his golden helmet casting a radiant gleam as he holds steadfast, even when the fortunes of war begin to favor the enemy. So consumed by the chaos of battle is he, that all thoughts of home and wife are lost in the tumult. Despite cutting down many foes, fate turns cruel as he is captured, yet his valor is celebrated at the epic's conclusion for his defiance against the pagan adversaries.
Yaroslav I
Yaroslav I, celebrated as the Wise, traces a lineage of greatness as Igor's great-great-grandfather. Immortalized in line 25 by the bard Boyan, Yaroslav's reign over Kiev, spanning from 1019 to 1054, is marked by wisdom and strength, earning him accolades anew.
Yaroslav of Galich
Yaroslav, who departed this world in 1187, stands as a patriarchal figure to Igor through his daughter, Euphrosyne, Igor's wife. Esteemed for his exceptional military acumen, he is lauded for both expanding his dominion and triumphing over the Hungarians, securing his legacy as a formidable leader.
