The Evolution of Alexander Nevskiy's Image in the Chronicles of the 13–16th Centuries

This work is devoted to the evolution of the image of Alexander Nevsky in the chronicles of the 13th–16th centuries. The purpose of the study is to identify the specifics of the transformation of the chronicle image of Alexander Nevsky in the 13th-16th centuries. The methodological basis of the study is hermeneutics. The method used was textual analysis of various chronicles and hagiographic sources. Research objectives: 1) Find out how the chronicle image of Alexander Nevsky changed in the 13th-15th centuries. 2) Find out how the hagiographic image of Alexander Nevsky changed in the 13th-15th centuries. 3) Find out how the canonization of the prince, as an all-Russian saint, influenced the chronicle and hagiographic images of Alexander Nevsky in the 16th century. The first chapter of the study is devoted to the consideration of the first and second tasks, the third - the second chapter of the study. As a result of the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. The chronicle and hagiographic images of Alexander Yaroslavich have a pronounced regional specificity, which persists until the end of the 16th century. 2. Changes in the image of Prince Alexander Yaroslavich are associated with the penetration into the chronicles of different editions of the Life of Alexander Yaroslavich. The idealization of the prince and the penetration of hagiographical features are associated with the Initial edition of the Life, glorification - with the Special edition, in which Alexander Yaroslavich is compared with Greek heroes. 3. The canonization of Alexander Yaroslavich leads to further idealization of the prince as an example of Christian perfection and a wise ruler and expert on various issues of faith. However, the Hagiographic Image did not become unified after canonization. 4. In the Moscow chronicle of the 16th century, the image of Alexander Yaroslavich reflects more the era of creation than the events of the 13th century and was used, especially by Ivan IV, to “justify” his domestic and foreign policies.