Ruslan and Ludmila

Pushkin, Alexander (1799–1837), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Ruslan and Ludmila is an epic poem by Alexander Pushkin, first published in 1820. The narrative centres on the knight Ruslan’s quest to rescue his bride Ludmila, who has been abducted by the sorcerer Chernomor. The poem opens with a feast at Ludmila’s father’s court, where the abduction occurs. Ruslan faces challenges and adversaries on his journey, including a rival knight and a giant, disembodied head. Ruslan is both assisted by the sage Finn, and opposed by the witch Naina (identified with Baba Yaga). Despite his travails he eventually defeats Chernomor and liberates Ludmila. The poem is noted for its use of folklore, vivid characters, and blend of comedy and drama.

The poem is set during the era of Kievan Rus’, with Vladimir the Great as ruler. The characters’ names, including Ruslan, derive from earlier Russian tales and historical texts, such as Yeruslan Lazarevich mentioned in Pushkin’s own The Moor of Peter the Great and in Karamzin’s History of the Russian State. The poem references the Pechenegs’ sieges of Kiev, notably in 968 and 997 and Pushkin’s battle descriptions reflect the reality of 10th-century warfare.

Author Details

Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, born on 6 June 1799 in Moscow, is often hailed as the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature.

Born into the Russian nobility, Pushkin's father was of the old aristocracy, while his mother Nadezhda Ossipovna Gannibal, was descended from Abram Petrovich Gannibal - an African nobleman raised in the imperial Russian household.

Pushkin's literary talent emerged early. He published his first poem at 15 and had already gained recognition by the time he graduated from the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Upon graduation from the Lycée, Pushkin recited his controversial poem "Ode to Liberty", one of several that led to his exile by Emperor Alexander I - primarily in the south of Russia and later at his family estate, Mikhailovskoye. Pushkin wrote his play, “Boris Godunov” while under strict surveillance by the emperor's political police and unable to publish. His novel in verse, “Eugene Onegin”, was serialized between 1825 and 1832.

Pushkin's literary prowess continued to flourish with works such as "Ruslan and Ludmila." Despite government restrictions, his efforts continued to gain influence. He was eventually allowed to return from exile and took up a position in the National Archives under Emperor Nicholas I.

Pushkin's personal life was tumultuous. He married Natalia Goncharova and became involved in court society. However, his jealousy led to a fatal duel with Georges-Charles de Heeckeren d'Anthès, his wife's alleged lover (and her sister’s husband), in 1837, his death at the age of 37 a significant loss to Russian literature and wider European culture.

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Kline, A. S.

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