“A Canonical Marriage for the Uninterrupted Succession to Your Royal Dynasty”

Abstract

This chapter explores in detail the changes made to the sixteenth-century model by the choreographers of the wedding of the first Romanov tsar, and how these changes were aimed at solidifying Romanov rule after the chaos and violence of the Time of Troubles (1598–1613). The chapter also notes that the Romanov had an extensive kinship network based on marriage links to other boyar families that went back a half century. It discusses their network of in-laws who largely survived the upheavals of the Troubles and were now in a position to help the Romanovs, and themselves, politically. The chapter then shifts to describe the qualities of a potential Romanov candidate, and the real possibility of a Romanov on the throne, which would mean a restoration of the fortunes of boyar families — strong incentive for them to advocate and defend Romanov interests. Ultimately, the chapter reviews the Romanov's election in 1613 and their adept exploitation of ritual. It also analyses what it meant for them to have one of the greatest choreographers of the time on their side.