KYIV AS A SACRED TOPOS IN THE PRIMARY CHRONICLE AND MODERN POETRY

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the interpretation of the Kyiv’s topos in medieval and modern literary texts. The object of the study is the Primary Chronicle (“The Tale of Bygone Years”) and the poetry of the Ukrainian writer Vira Vovk. This topic has not yet been the subject of scientific analysis, and in the course of modern historical events, it is gaining special relevance. It is noted that in the Primary Chronicle and in the works of Vira Vovk, the image of the capital of Ukraine has the meaning of a special sacred space – the spiritual, historical and cultural center of the state. The specifics of the artistic creation of this image are considered. It is indicated that the Bible is the basis of the interpretation of the Kyiv topos in the Primary Chronicle and modern poetry. The main aspects of the formation of the sacred topos of the capital are highlighted: the sacralization of the history of the city, its role as a statesman and spiritual mission (chronicle) and the sacralization of the history of Kyiv, expressed in church architecture, symbolic images of nature and iconic figures of persons (the Vira Vovk’s lyrics). It is noted that the reason for the sacralization of the image of Kyiv in the Primary Chronicle is the desire to confirm the role of the city as the princely capital, and in the contemporary poetry of Vira Vovk – the desire to preserve the national memory of the people from destruction. It has been proven that the author’s works are largely based on historical plot-image material and are its original reinterpretation in the present. It is indicated that in all texts of interest the Kyiv topos acquires a special significance as the spiritual and axiological center of the Ukrainian State.