the Primary Chronicle
The Primary Chronicle (also known as The Tale of Bygone Years), compiled by monks in the Kievan Rus' around 1113 AD, serves as one of the primary sources for understanding the early history of the Eastern Slavic people, including the role of the Varangians in founding the state of Kievan Rus'.
The Primary Chronicle describes how the Slavic and Finnic tribes, after years of internal conflict and chaos, invited the Varangian prince Rurik and his brothers to rule over them in 862 AD. This event, though presented as an act of desperation by the local tribes, also carries mythic connotations. The Chronicle frames the Varangians as noble outsiders, akin to legendary heroes who bring order and justice to a disorganized society. This mirrors broader Indo-European myths of "outsider kings" who restore peace through their unique virtues and military prowess.
Cliff Notes Version of the Primary Chronicle
1. The Arrival of the Varangians (862 AD)
The Chronicle begins with the invitation of the Varangians, particularly the figure of Rurik, by the Slavic tribes in 862 AD. The Slavs and Finnic peoples, unable to govern themselves due to internal conflicts, sought out the Varangians (often identified as Scandinavian Vikings) to restore order. Rurik settled in Novgorod, establishing the Rurikid dynasty, which would go on to rule Kievan Rus' for centuries(Wikipedia).
Mythic Element: This story echoes the archetype of the “invited king,” a figure who brings justice and peace to a chaotic land. In some interpretations, Rurik’s coming is akin to the arrival of a mythic hero called upon by divine forces.
2. Oleg’s Prophecy and the Expansion of Kievan Rus' (882 AD)
Following Rurik’s death, Oleg of Novgorod took power. Oleg was both a historical and mythic figure, known for his military campaigns and his transfer of the capital from Novgorod to Kiev. According to the Chronicle, Oleg's military victories against surrounding tribes helped unify the territory that would become Kievan Rus'.
Prophecy and Death: Oleg is said to have received a prophecy that his horse would cause his death. After years of avoiding the horse, Oleg later mocked the prophecy by touching the horse’s skeleton, at which point a snake emerged from the bones and fatally bit him. This death by fate ties into common mythic tropes of unavoidable destiny, akin to stories in Norse mythology(New World Encyclopedia)(Encyclopedia.com).
3. The Raids on Constantinople and Trade Relations
Oleg is credited with launching a famous raid on Constantinople (907 AD), where he supposedly nailed his shield to the city gates, a gesture of victory. This raid established trade agreements with the Byzantine Empire, a significant economic and political development for Kievan Rus'. These trade routes became the backbone of the region’s wealth, connecting Scandinavia, Byzantium, and the Arab world through the Dnieper River.
Legendary Shield Story: Though likely exaggerated, the nailing of the shield is symbolic of dominance over the Eastern Roman Empire, a claim that enhances the mythic power of the Varangians(Wikipedia).
4. The Baptism of Vladimir the Great (988 AD)
The Primary Chronicle also recounts the story of Vladimir the Great, one of the most important rulers of Kievan Rus', who converted to Christianity in 988 AD. After an alliance with the Byzantine Emperor Basil II, Vladimir accepted Christianity and baptized his people, solidifying the state’s connection with Byzantine culture and Christianity. This event marks a pivotal moment in Russian history, as it introduced Orthodox Christianity and strengthened ties with Byzantium.
Mythic Undertones: The Chronicle portrays Vladimir as a transformative ruler, similar to mythic kings who introduce new religions or spiritual transformations to their people. This conversion is wrapped in narratives of miracles and divine intervention(E-Anthropology).
5. Varangian Guard in Byzantine Myths
As mentioned in the Chronicle and Byzantine records, Varangians, many from Kievan Rus', formed the Varangian Guard, the elite unit of mercenaries in Byzantine service. These warriors were often depicted in Byzantine literature as almost superhuman figures, capable of great feats of loyalty and martial prowess.
One such legend from Byzantine chronicles involves the Varangian Guard's defense of Constantinople against internal uprisings. When the rebel Bardas Phocas revolted against Emperor Basil II in 989 AD, the Varangians crushed the rebellion with brutal efficiency, solidifying their reputation for loyalty and ferocity(New World Encyclopedia)(E-Anthropology).
Legendary Status: Their loyalty was so profound that myths often portrayed the Varangians as bound by magical or divine oaths, unable to betray the Emperor. They became figures of loyalty and courage in both Byzantine and Rus’ legends.
6. The Saga of Harald Hardrada
Harald Hardrada, a Varangian Guard who later became King of Norway, is another prominent figure mentioned in the Chronicle. His exploits in the service of the Byzantine Emperor are part of the Norse sagas, but also appear in Byzantine sources. Harald was known for his campaigns in the Mediterranean, fighting in Sicily and Bulgaria, before amassing great wealth and leaving for Norway. His legendary status grew after his death in 1066 at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, marking the end of the Viking Age(Wikipedia)(New World Encyclopedia).
Mythic Journey: Harald's tale fits the archetype of the wandering hero, who gains wisdom and wealth through trials in foreign lands, only to meet a fateful end in battle. His journey across Eastern Europe and Byzantium made him a legend in both the Norse and Byzantine worlds.
Blending History and Myth
The Primary Chronicle mixes documented historical events with mythic elements, and this blending has helped shape the legends around the Varangians and Kievan Rus'. Key figures like Rurik, Oleg, and Vladimir are not only historical rulers but also legendary heroes whose stories reflect a mix of Slavic, Norse, and Byzantine mythologies.
In the Byzantine Empire, the Varangians transitioned from feared invaders to trusted protectors, with their exploits immortalized in both the Primary Chronicle and Byzantine sources. The combination of myth and reality around these figures cemented their place in history, and their legend only grew over time.
Rurik is often mythologized not only as the founder of the Rurikid dynasty, which would rule for centuries, but also as a civilizer who brought structure, governance, and military strength to the scattered tribes of Eastern Europe. This act of "invitation" elevates the Varangians to almost mythical status as bringers of stability, a theme that is repeated in many Byzantine accounts of the Varangians later on.
Following Rurik's death, his successor, Oleg of Novgorod, also became a figure of legend. In 882 AD, Oleg moved the capital to Kiev and began expanding the territory under his control, creating what would become Kievan Rus'.
The Varangians are not just mythologized in the Primary Chronicle but also in Byzantine sources. Byzantine writers often viewed the Varangians with a mix of admiration and fear, seeing them as both fierce warriors and uncivilized "barbarians." They were often depicted as exotic and loyal mercenaries, guarding the Byzantine emperors with an almost mythical dedication.
The Byzantine Chronicle by Michael Psellus recounts that the Varangians, particularly the famed Varangian Guard, were known for their unbreakable loyalty and ferocity in battle. This was most dramatically displayed in the service of Emperor Basil II, who used the Guard to crush internal rebellions like that of Bardas Phocas in 989 AD. According to legend, when Bardas Phocas died of a stroke during battle, the Varangians pursued his fleeing army with such bloodthirsty zeal that it solidified their reputation as merciless warriors.
The blend of Byzantine and Rus' myths surrounding the Varangians helped solidify their place in both the historical and legendary traditions of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Their roles as bodyguards, mercenaries, and kings allowed for the creation of a complex narrative that tied them to both historical fact and heroic legend. The Byzantine chroniclers, fascinated by their loyalty and fierceness, often depicted the Varangians in ways that mirrored the mythic heroes of their own classical past, reinforcing their legendary status.
The Varangians, often identified with the Norse Vikings, played a significant role in the early history of Russia. The Primary Chronicle, a key historical source written by monks in the early 12th century, mentions the Varangians in the context of the founding of the Russian state.
According to the Primary Chronicle, in 862 AD, Slavic and Finnic tribes in what is now Russia, invited a Varangian prince named Rurik to rule over them and establish order. Rurik set up his rule in Novgorod and his descendants would become the rulers of Russia, forming the Rurikid dynasty which lasted until the 16th century. Rurik’s relative, Oleg of Novgorod, succeeded him and moved the capital to Kiev, creating the state of Kievan Rus’. This state is considered a foundational period for Russian culture and identity. Oleg’s reign saw the expansion of territory and the consolidation of power among the Eastern Slavs.
The Varangians were instrumental in establishing trade routes across what would become Russia, connecting the Baltic to the Byzantine Empire via rivers like the Volga and Dnieper. This facilitated not only commerce but also cultural exchanges, including the spread of Christianity.
Throughout Scandinavia, several Varangian runestones commemorate the voyages and deaths of Varangian warriors who ventured into the East (referred to as “Austrvegr”). These stones are scattered across Sweden and tell of heroic expeditions to places like Gardariki (Old Norse for Kievan Rus'), Byzantium, and even the Caspian Sea. The stories recorded on these stones often include tales of distant lands, immense battles, and fallen heroes, akin to the sagas of the Viking Age. One such stone from Täby in Sweden memorializes Ulf of Borresta, a Viking who traveled with the Varangians to Constantinople and returned rich from his exploits.
One famous legend from the 1204 sack of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade tells of the Varangian Guard's last stand. The Crusaders, having breached the city walls, found the Varangian Guard defending the Byzantine Emperor with great tenacity. The legend goes that the Varangians fought until the very end, refusing to surrender, and fell heroically defending their emperor. This story, although grounded in historical events, has grown into a symbol of the Varangian’s unwavering loyalty and their berserker-like courage in the face of insurmountable odds
One of the most significant figures in this dynasty was Vladimir the Great, who converted to Christianity in 988 AD and Christianized Kievan Rus’, aligning the state more closely with Byzantine and broader European cultures.
The legacy of the Varangians is seen in the integration of Norse cultural elements with Slavic ones and their impact on the political structures of early Russian states.
(sorry i know these notes are messy)
The Varangians, Norse warriors from Scandinavia, had an incredible and multifaceted influence on Eastern Europe and Byzantium, merging brutal warfare with cultural integration, and their legacy continues to fascinate historians.
Varangians, who were predominantly Swedish Vikings, began venturing into Eastern Europe in the 9th century, establishing trade routes and settling along the rivers. They were instrumental in the formation of the Kievan Rus', an early state that covered parts of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Rurik, a Varangian leader, founded Novgorod in 862 AD, and his descendants, like Oleg of Novgorod, moved the capital to Kiev, solidifying their rule over the Slavic tribes【11†source】【12†source】
In Scandinavian lore, there are also mythical associations between the Varangians and legendary sea creatures. One such tale involves a group of Varangian traders who reportedly encountered a great sea serpent while traveling along the Dnieper River. The monster was said to have attacked their ships, and only through clever tactics and sheer strength were they able to fend it off. This myth mirrors the broader Norse tradition of sea-monsters like Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, a creature that Viking sailors believed they could encounter on long sea voyages(Wikipedia)(E-Anthropology).
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Varangian influence is their elite unit, the Varangian Guard, which served as personal bodyguards for the Byzantine Emperors. First established by Emperor Basil II in 988 AD, the Varangian Guard consisted primarily of Scandinavian warriors but later included Anglo-Saxons and other Northern Europeans【12†source】【13†source】These warriors became renowned for their fierce loyalty and prowess in battle, wielding long axes and showing no mercy to their enemies. The Guard fought in key Byzantine battles, such as the Battle of Cannae in 1018 AD, and their participation was crucial in the Byzantine reconquest of Sicily from the Arabs【12†source】【13†source】
The Varangians brought with them elements of Viking warrior culture, including the legendary berserkers, who fought with unparalleled ferocity and were said to enter a trance-like state of battle rage. In the Byzantine Empire, the Varangian Guard, at times, exhibited this same raw power. For instance, after the death of the rebel Bardas Phocas in 989 AD, the Varangian Guard pursued his troops with brutal efficiency, "cheerfully hacking them to pieces"【12†source】
This brutality, combined with their effectiveness in battle, earned them both fear and admiration from their contemporaries.
On a deeper level, the Varangians played a key role in the fractal development of Eastern Europe’s political structures. Their integration into Byzantine politics as mercenaries, combined with their cultural influence in Kievan Rus', reflects a postmodern view of history, where layers of cultural exchange ripple outward. Their story challenges traditional linear narratives of history, instead revealing a web of interconnected events—where Viking trade routes intersected with Byzantine diplomacy, creating unexpected consequences, such as the Christianization of Russia under Vladimir the Great in 988 AD【11†source】【12†source】
As the Varangian Guard evolved, Anglo-Saxon warriors fleeing Norman rule in England joined their ranks after 1066. These warriors played a significant role in the defense of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. Although the Byzantine Empire was eventually overrun, the Varangians' reputation as fierce protectors lived on, illustrating their long-lasting legacy【13†source】
By exploring the roles of these warriors from their origins in Scandinavia to their participation in Byzantine and Russian history, we uncover a complex tapestry of influence, violence, and culture. The Varangian Guard's story showcases how a relatively small group of Norsemen left an indelible mark on the geopolitics of Europe and the Near East, blending their brutal heritage with the civilizations they encountered.
For further reading, detailed explorations are available in academic sources like The Russian Primary Chronicle, Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla, and modern works such as "The Viking Road to Byzantium" by H.R. Ellis Davidson【12†source】【13†source】
