Oh Mother Russia, known for being very proud of their country throughout history, even attempting to conquer the world. “The Song of Igor’s Campaign” exemplifies the nationalist stereotypes of the Russian people through many lines of direct praise to the country of Russia, which is a strangely modern ideology. The poem is an epic song that sings of the conquests of Igor and his family, in which they attempt to take over pagan lands. Early on in the poem, it is stated that “O Russian land, you are already behind the culmen! (141-143).” Essentially this is saying that Russia is right at the top, only behind the actual beak of power of their swords. This is restated about 55 lines later, solidifying its representation of the power of Russia. A …show more content…
Their lost soldiers simply cannot rise back up from the dead and fight (335). After praising the power of their country as essentially being infallible, they begin to lose and the pagans start conquering Russia. A strange thing for a story so heavy in the nationalist imagery is that “the princes forged discord against their own selves (352),” the brothers who signify the glory of Russia begin to fight with each other, though not with weapons it seems. The great country of Russia is basically tearing itself apart while the enemy is tearing them apart as well. Though riddled with failures, the mighty power of Russia is not easily stopped. The enemies who are below their mighty power are ruling their country, disgracing Russian glory and singing the glory of themselves. Revenge is taken upon the pagans, the Russian might smites “Konchak, the pagan slave (547),” “turbulent Roman, and Mstislav! (551-553).” The glory of the strong nation must be regained, though the soldiers are dead and “Igor's brave troops cannot be brought back to life (577-578).” The violence brought about by the conquests in hope of expanding the glory of Russia have in fact, caused the downfall of