"The Prayer of Daniel the Exile": a summary, analysis and description

"The Prayer of Daniel the Exile", the summary of which is the subject of this review, is one of the most famous works of Old Russian literature, written in the 12th century (according to other scientists, in the 13th century). There are two versions of this work, in the second it is called a "word". Historical science still does not know who is the author of this work, but almost all researchers agree that he was a younger druzhinnik.

Opinions about the origin

"The Prayer of Daniel Zatyonnik," a short summary of which will help students understand this complicated monument of ancient Russian literature, is addressed to the prince, which allows historians to date the source and determine the place of its origin. However, even here there are significant differences. Some historians believe that the work is intended for the great grandson of Vladimir Monomakh, who reigned in Novgorod, others - that the great-grandson of the same prince who ruled in Pereyaslavl North.

Accordingly, the dates of appearance of the source vary: 12th or 13th century. Some scholars suggest that the work was created after the Mongol-Tatars invaded Rus. In form resembles a message or petition "The Prayer of Daniel the Exile". The summary of the manuscript can be conditionally divided into several parts: an appeal to the prince, criticism of boyars, reasoning about wives and imprisonment.

a brief description of

The work was found and partially published by N. M. Karamzin. Subsequently, many scholars turned to the study of this curious monument of medieval Russia. In the Soviet era, his study and analysis involved the largest specialist DS Likhachev. He also owns a classical translation of the manuscript from Old Russian to modern Russian.

Indicative of the fact that the author has only one mention in one of the annals, although the work itself was fairly well known. The historical authenticity, specifics, as well as individualistic features are distinguished by the "Prayer of Daniil the Exile". The summary of the monument reflects the main issues that worried the socio-political thought of medieval Russia.

Appeal to the prince

The author begins his message by asking for mercy from the ruler. He writes about his miserable and difficult situation, talking about his poverty and the unreliability of his friends. Then follows the reasoning about the princely power, which sheds light on how this most important institution was seen by representatives of the middle strata of Old Russian society. "The Prayer of Daniel the Exile", in a concise statement, reveals the main idea of the work: the necessity for a prince of a council of wise people.

The author emphasizes that a devoted environment is more valuable than wealth and gold, since a loyal squad will not betray his ruler. He pays much attention to the prince's praise. He glorifies his wisdom, generosity, nobility and hopes for his help and support.

About boyars

"The Prayer of Daniel Zatyonnik," the analysis and description of which allow us to determine the characteristics of ancient Russian literature, is permeated with criticism toward princely people. The author expresses dissatisfaction about their abuses, arguing that he prefers to serve directly to the prince himself, than his boyars. At the same time, he argues that it is on good and good advisers that power rests. According to him, the prince can not rule without clever and noble husbands. Despite the fact that the author humiliated himself in every way, nevertheless, he considers himself worthy of being a ruler as an assistant.

About princely service and wives

"The Prayer of Daniel the Exile" in a brief summary shows that the main idea of the work was the glorification of princely power. The author claims that in the service of the prince a person can arrange his destiny, while the boyars' mercy is fragile and temporary. In his opinion, the prince, only under the condition of the presence of clever and faithful assistants, can get the throne. Wealth, according to Daniel, does not provide either success or status. It is these arguments that he gives in his message when he asks his ruler to take him to the service. At princely advice he counts on favor and good salary.

The summary of the "Prayer of Daniel the Exile" should contain a small description of the author's relationship to women. He attaches great importance to a successful marriage, or rather, to the moral qualities of the spouse. According to him, a good wife ensures peace and order in the house, while the evil one is worse than the most terrible misfortune. Therefore, the author draws attention to the choice of a companion of life. He emphasizes that the whole of his future life and destiny depends on the correct decision of the man. Especially the author is indignant at the evil and disobedient women who are unable to submit to her husband and thereby ruin the family life from within.

Conclusion

At the end of his message the author again turns to the prince with a request to accept him for service. At the same time he highly appreciates his mental abilities and knowledge. According to him, he has enough knowledge to help the ruler in public affairs and affairs. Daniel notes that he did not travel and did not communicate with learned people, but he read a lot and learned all his wisdom from books.

Therefore, he sincerely believes that he can benefit the prince, that his advice can be useful to him. This strong confidence in his abilities and abilities allows him to speak more or less openly with the recipient of the message. However, in some places he starts to talk in a diminutive and caressing tone and a slightly lowered tone, thereby emphasizing his humility and submission.

Language features

The work is interesting for its original vocabulary. The author often quotes the Bible, excerpts from the annals, as well as foreign writings, but at the same time quite often resorts to popular proverbs, sayings, uses satirical and humorous statements, which gives his speech a special liveliness and flexibility. Such a combination of different styles makes this monument a unique source, which differs from other manuscripts of the epoch in question. Such a colorful, lively language reveals the individual features of the author himself: judging by his speech, he was a man of the middle class, most likely he belonged to the younger princely squad.

Ratio with the "Word"

In conclusion, it should be noted how this monument was related to another similar work, which is considered to be its second edition. The most common is the first version of the manuscript, which is called "The Prayer of Daniil the Exile". Reviews about this work are very positive.

Comparing it with the second edition, which is called the "Word", users note that the first edition carries the features of a specific historical reality and a vivid imprint of the author's individuality, which manifests itself in the language, his humorous comments, and small everyday sketches. It is for this that readers appreciate the monument in question, rightly asserting that it allows us to understand the thinking of the medieval Russian man of the middle class. "Word" is a product of more general content: it lacks specific historical references, everyday details.