Jump to content

The Mongol Invasion (trilogy): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Cropberry (talk | contribs)
76 edits
cleanup to bring the article up to Wikipedia's quality standards
Kr012 (talk | contribs)
117 edits
clean up
 
(93 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Historical trilogy}}
{{AFC submission|||u=Cropberry|ns=118|ts=20240730163557}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->
{{Expand language|topic=|langcode=ru|otherarticle=Нашествие монголов (трилогия)|date=August 2024}}
{{AFC submission|d|v|u=Cropberry|ns=118|decliner=SafariScribe|declinets=20240729222619|ts=20240729123010}} <!-- Do not remove this line! -->

{{AFC comment|1=Please provide inline citations where possible, to make it easier for reviewers to verify the content. [[User:Asilvering|asilvering]] ([[User talk:Asilvering|talk]]) 21:21, 30 July 2024 (UTC)}}

----

{{Short description|a historical trilogy written by Soviet writer Vasily Yan that explores the Mongol conquests}}
{{Draft topics|literature|books|asia}}
{{AfC topic|media}}
{{UTr|source=The Russian Wikipedia article, ''[[:ru:Нашествие монголов (трилогия)]]''}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox book
{{Infobox book
| name = ''The Mongol Invasion (trilogy)''
| name = ''The Mongol Invasion (trilogy)''
| books = ''[[Genghis Khan]]''<br/> ''[[Batu]]''<br/> ''[[To the “Last Sea”]]''
| books = ''[[Genghis Khan]]''<br/> ''[[Batu]]''<br/> ''[[To the "Last Sea"]]''
| author = [[Vasily Yan]]
| author = [[Vasily Yan]]
| language = Russian
| language = Russian
Line 20: Line 11:
| genre = [[Novel]] ([[Historical novel]])
| genre = [[Novel]] ([[Historical novel]])
| title_orig = Нашествие монголов (трилогия)
| title_orig = Нашествие монголов (трилогия)
| release_date = 1934—1954
| release_date = 1939—1954
| orig_lang_code = ru
| orig_lang_code = ru
| pages = 1056
| pages = 1056
| native_wikisource = Нашествие монголов (трилогия)
| native_wikisource = Нашествие монголов (трилогия)
}}
}}

'''''The Mongol Invasion''''' is a historical trilogy written by Soviet writer [[Vasily Yan]] that explores the Mongol conquests, including the Mongol conquest of Central Asia and the Western Mongol campaign, as well as the resistance of the peoples living in [[Central Asia]] and [[Eastern Europe]] during the early 13th century.<ref>{{cite book |last=Favereau |first=Marie |author-link=Marie Favereau |date=2021 |title=The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World |location=[[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]] |publisher=[[Harvard University Press]] |doi=10.2307/j.ctv322v4qv |jstor=j.ctv322v4qv |isbn=978-0-6742-7865-3 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv322v4qv}}</ref> This trilogy is considered the author's most renowned work and is comprised of the novellas "Genghis Khan" (1939), "Batu" (1942), and "To the “Last Sea”" (1955).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=Василий |title=Избранные произведения: В 2 т. / Вступ. статья Л. Разгона; Худож. И. Спасский. |date=1979 |publisher=Художественная литература |location=Москва |isbn=5-277-01611-2 |pages=516 |edition=1 }}</ref>
'''''The Mongol Invasion''''' is a trilogy of historical novels by Soviet writer [[Vasily Yan]] that explores the Mongol conquests, including the [[Mongol conquest of Central Asia]] and their [[Mongol invasion of Europe|Western campaign]], as well as the resistance of the peoples living in [[Central Asia]] and [[Eastern Europe]] during the early 13th century.<ref>{{cite book |last=Favereau |first=Marie |author-link=Marie Favereau |date=2021 |title=The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World |location=[[Cambridge, Massachusetts|Cambridge]] |publisher=[[Harvard University Press]] |doi=10.2307/j.ctv322v4qv |jstor=j.ctv322v4qv |isbn=978-0-6742-7865-3 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv322v4qv}}</ref> This trilogy is considered the author's most renowned work and comprises the novels "Genghis Khan" (1939), "Batu" (1942), and "To the "Last Sea" (1955).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=Василий |title=Избранные произведения: В 2 т. / Вступ. статья Л. Разгона; Худож. И. Спасский. |date=1979 |publisher=Художественная литература |location=Москва |isbn=5-277-01611-2 |pages=516 |edition=1 }}</ref>

Vasily Yan became interested in the theme of Genghis Khan's conquests in the early 20th century while serving in the [[Transcaspian region]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SQ0UDAAAQBAJ&dq=Although+Transcaspia+was+initially+administered+from+Tiflis+under+the+Governor%E2%80%90Generalship+of+the+Caucasus,+and+there+were+self%E2%80%90interested+moves+by+its+...&pg=PA20|title=Russian Rule in Samarkand 1868-1910: A Comparison with British India|author=Morrison, Alexander|date=2008|pages=20|publisher=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-954737-1}}</ref> Vasiliy Yan was inspired to write after having a dream in which Genghis Khan attempted to defeat him. In 1934, after receiving a recommendation from [[Maxim Gorky]], the publishing house Young Guard commissioned Yan to write a story about Genghis Khan.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P-y-DAAAQBAJ | isbn=978-1-349-21447-1 | title=Stalin and the Literary Intelligentsia, 1928-39 | date=27 July 2016 | publisher=Springer}}</ref> However, due to various circumstances, the story was not published until 1939.
Vasily Yan became interested in the theme of Genghis Khan's conquests in the early 20th century while serving in the [[Transcaspian region]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SQ0UDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA20|title=Russian Rule in Samarkand 1868-1910: A Comparison with British India|author=Morrison, Alexander|date=2008|pages=20|publisher=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-954737-1}}</ref> Vasiliy Yan was inspired to write after having a dream in which Genghis Khan attempted to defeat him. In 1934, after receiving a recommendation from [[Maxim Gorky]], the publishing house Young Guard commissioned Yan to write a story about Genghis Khan.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P-y-DAAAQBAJ | isbn=978-1-349-21447-1 | title=Stalin and the Literary Intelligentsia, 1928-39 | date=27 July 2016 | publisher=Springer}}</ref> However, due to various circumstances, the story was not published until 1939.

By February of 1940, the manuscript for the sequel "Batu" had already been submitted to [[Goslitizdat]]. Just two months later, the writer also offered a children's adaptation titled "Invasion of Batu" to [[Detgiz]]. As the Great Patriotic War unfolded in 1941, it became evident that his books were incredibly relevant to the current circumstances.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hill |first=Alexander |year=2016 |title=The Red Army and the [[Second World War]] |place=UK |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-02079-5 |pages=34–44}}</ref> On July 21st of that year, Vasily Yan was officially admitted to the [[Union of Soviet Writers]]. Thanks to the recommendation of [[Alexander Fadeev]], the writer was honored as the recipient of the prestigious [[Stalin Prize]] of the first degree for his work in 1941.
By February of 1940, the manuscript for the sequel "Batu" had already been submitted to [[Goslitizdat]]. Just two months later, the writer also offered a children's adaptation titled "Invasion of Batu" to [[Detgiz]]. As the Great Patriotic War unfolded in 1941, it became evident that his books were incredibly relevant to the current circumstances.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hill |first=Alexander |year=2016 |title=The Red Army and the [[Second World War]] |place=UK |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-02079-5 |pages=34–44}}</ref> On July 21st of that year, Vasily Yan was officially admitted to the [[Union of Soviet Writers]]. Thanks to the recommendation of [[Alexander Fadeyev (writer)|Alexander Fadeev]], the writer was honored as the recipient of the prestigious [[State Stalin Prize|Stalin Prize]] of the first degree for his work in 1941.

During the [[Great Patriotic War]], the writer kept working on his project even while being evacuated in [[Uzbekistan]]. When he got back to Moscow, his third book, "The Golden Horde and Alexander the Restless", was officially announced in the April 22, 1945 edition of "Literaturnaya Gazeta". Excerpts from the highly anticipated book had already been published in various prominent publications. The author submitted the manuscript to [[Goslitizdat]] at the end of 1948, but faced opposition from archaeologist [[Artemiy Artsikhovsky]] and writer Alexei Yugov. This led to significant revisions to the text. The novel was eventually split into two parts in 1950, and published posthumously in 1955 after the writer passed away.
During the [[Great Patriotic War]], the writer kept working on his project even while being evacuated in [[Uzbekistan]]. When he got back to Moscow, his third book, "The Golden Horde and Alexander the Restless", was officially announced in the April 22, 1945 edition of "Literaturnaya Gazeta". Excerpts from the highly anticipated book had already been published in various prominent publications. The author submitted the manuscript to [[Goslitizdat]] at the end of 1948, but faced opposition from archaeologist [[Artemiy Artsikhovsky]] and writer Alexei Yugov. This led to significant revisions to the text. The novel was eventually split into two parts in 1950, and published posthumously in 1955 after the writer passed away.

The trilogy garnered high praise from a wide range of experts such as historians specializing in Russian, medieval, and Oriental studies, as well as critics and literary scholars. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the books gained immense popularity and were in constant demand, leading to numerous reprints.
The trilogy garnered high praise from a wide range of experts such as historians specializing in Russian, medieval, and Oriental studies, as well as critics and literary scholars. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the books gained immense popularity and were in constant demand, leading to numerous reprints.

==Books==
==Books==

===Genghis Khan===
===Genghis Khan===
The story starts close to [[Konye-Urgench|Gurganj]] in [[Khwarazm]], where a beggar [[dervish]] named Hadji Rakhim Baghdadi is on his way. He comes across a ravaged caravan in the desert and is informed by the surviving merchant Mahmud-Yalvach that the infamous thief Kara-Konchar ("black sword") is responsible for it. A dust storm forces them to seek shelter with [[nomads]]. They are joined by [[bey]] [[Jalal al-Din Mangburni|Jalal al-Din]], son of the powerful ruler [[Muhammad II of Khwarazm]], lost while hunting [[goitered gazelle]]s. The group shares a meal, including the bey's prey, and extends hospitality to Kara-Konchar. Khan Jalal grants Kara-Konchar safe passage to Gurganj.
In Gurganj, Hadji Rakhim discovers his father and brother are dead in prison and finds his home abandoned. He escapes to [[Baghdad]]. There, Muhammad orders the execution of ten prisoners but spares a boy named Tugan, whom Rakhim recognizes as his brother. When a teacher-blacksmith refuses to help, Rakhim becomes Tugan's protector. He orders a dagger forged from Tugan's shackles, while Mahmud-Yalvach provides him with financial assistance.
Shah Muhammad, persuaded by his mother Turkan-Khatun, assigns his young son as heir, exiling Jalal ad-Din to [[Ghazna]] near [[India]]. He also strives to unveil the true identity of his 301st wife, Gül-Jamal, a Turkmen woman. When a sorceress fails to reveal her secrets, Gül-Jamal finds herself trapped in a locked room with a leopard, but is saved by Kara-Konchar. Uprisings in the East trouble the palace, leading Muhammad to march to [[Samarkand]] after persuasion from his mother.
Timur-Melik, leader of the Shah's guards, shares a meal with Kara-Konchar and the disgraced bey Jalal al-Din. A captured [[Turkic peoples|Türkic]] hunter, reluctant to serve Genghis Khan, reveals details about the Mongol leader during the meal. Meanwhile, spurred by his mother, Muhammad marches east, refusing Mongol peace offers. He initially achieves military success, but Genghis Khan's son subsequently breaks through his defenses, leading to a catastrophic defeat for the Khwarazmian ruler.


Following the suppression of the Samarkand uprising, Shah Muhammad encounters Genghis Khan's traders, including Mahmud-Yalvach, who informs him of Genghis's power. The Shah attempts to bribe Mahmud with a pearl, but Mahmud betrays him to Genghis. This betrayal leads to Mongol soldiers infiltrating Khwarazm, ultimately triggering Genghis Khan's invasion after their discovery and execution in [[Otrar]].
The novel starts near [[Konye-Urgench|Gurganj]] in [[Khwarazm]], with a beggar dervish named Haji Rahim encounters a robbed caravan in the desert and learns that the culprit is the notorious robber Kara Konchar. During a dust storm, he seeks refuge with a nomadic family along with a dervish and an injured merchant. They are unexpectedly joined by [[bey]] [[Jalal al-Din Mangburni|Jalal al-Din]], the son of the ruler of the [[Khwarazmian Empire]], [[Muhammad II of Khwarazm]], who had gotten lost while hunting [[goitered gazelle]]s. The group shares a meal together, including the bey's freshly caught prey, and the bey offers the dervish safe passage through his guard for his journey.

Facing Mongol invasion, Shah Muhammad orders taxes to be collected three years in advance and drafts men for military service. Kurban-Qyzyk, a destitute peasant, faces hardship and seeks a tax reprieve in [[Bukhara]], only to lose his horse and become vulnerable. Bukhara falls swiftly to the Mongol onslaught. The Kagan celebrates his triumph as Shah Muhammad, his son, and [[jigit]]s, including Kurban-Qyzyk, flee westward towards [[Iran]]. Samarkand also falls under Mongol control, followed by another city – [[Merv]].
Haji Rahim arrived in Gurgandj to find out that his father and brother had died, leaving their family home abandoned. He struggled with doubts about his faith and went to Baghdad for refuge. Despite orders to execute prisoners in search of his son, a young boy named Tugan was spared. Tugan was rejected by his teacher but found acceptance with Haji Rahim, who treated him like a brother. With the help of a dervish, Haji Rahim's chains were turned into a dagger symbolizing his freedom. Merchant Mahmud-Yalvach, who had recovered from an injury, generously provided financial support for their journey.

Abandoned by all, including Kurban, Shah Muhammad tragically ends up on a leper island, losing his mind and eventually dying. Timur-Melik performs his burial, breaks the sword, and embraces a life as a dervish. Kurban, after slaying a Mongol and seizing his horse, rushes home only to find his mother and wife near death, their children deceased. Genghis Khan distributes the former Khwarazmian ruler's daughters to his sons and allies. Turkan-Khatun, ones powerful and self-proclaimed "mistress of all the women of the universe", now sings for scraps of food at Genghis Khan's yurt, a deeply tragic turn.
The Shah of Khwarezm visits his mother who convinces him to name his young son as his heir and appoint Jelal ad-Din as governor of a distant region. The Shah keeps an eye on Jelal ad-Din and becomes intrigued by his three hundred and first wife, Gül-Jamal. A spy sent to extract secrets from Gül-Jamal fails to gain her trust and is thrown to a panther in a locked room. An unknown warrior bursts into the palace, kills the lion, and announces that he has been sent by the Shah with news of uprisings on the eastern borders of Khwarezm and killings of Kipchaks in Samarkand. The Shah leads his army eastward to confront the Mongols, who disappear suddenly.

The Shah of Khorezm was betrayed by three merchants working for Genghis Khan, leading to the invasion of Khorezm. A peasant named Kurban-Kyzyk flees to Iran after witnessing the devastation caused by the Mongols, but later decides to rebel against a tyrannical ruler to protect his loved ones. The Shah is left isolated on an island as punishment for his betrayal, while Timur-Melik renounces violence and commits to peace. Genghis Khan's cruelty is highlighted through his humiliation of the Shah's mother, showing the consequences of betrayal.

Jelal ad-Din bravely led a resistance against Genghis Khan, but conflicts over war spoils weakened their defenses. Jelal ad-Din escaped by jumping into a river with his horse. Dervish Hadji Rahim and his brother remained loyal to Mahmud-Yalvach, an advisor to Genghis Khan. Despite being captured by the Kara-Konchar group, Dervish eventually becomes a mentor to Batu, the son of Juchi Khan, and regains his freedom after Juchi Khan's death.

Genghis Khan sent his generals [[Subutai]] and [[Jebe]] on a mission to find Muhammad and cause trouble in Iran, but they were unable to locate him. They then traveled to Georgia, Sudak, and Kharkiv before strategically withdrawing and defeating Kipchak warriors and Russian troops. The Kiev regiment, led by Mstislav Romanovich, put up a strong defense but was ultimately slaughtered by the Tatars. Despite attempts by new Russian troops to fight back, they were also defeated. After celebrating their victory, the Mongols received orders from Genghis Khan to return home. At the celebration, all captured princes were executed by being crushed under planks.


Jalal al-Din remains the only one to resist the Mongols, with his army growing like a snowball. Internal treachery, however, crippled his ability to confront the invaders directly. After defeat, he leaps into the tumultuous [[Sindh River]], swims to the opposite bank, threatens Genghis Khan with his sword, and then makes his escape. For years, Jalal al-Din and his brave followers continued to fight against the Mongols, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who refused to submit to the invasion.
During this time, Genghis Khan fought a battle in [[India]] against Jalal ad-Din, seeking to conquer the country and defeat the son of the previous Shah of Khwarazm. His wife convinced a counselor to persuade Genghis Khan to return home due to his failing health. In his pursuit of immortality, Genghis Khan met with a Taoist named [[Qiu Chuji]] who explained that immortality was not achievable. Genghis Khan eventually died, and [[Ögedei Khan]] succeeded him. Batu, the grandson of the former Khwarazm ruler, later became known as Khan Batu.


Hadji Rakhim serves Mahmud-Yalvach and is sent by him to deliver a message to [[Jochi]], the Khagan's son. While in the desert, Rakhim and Tugan are captured by Kara-Konchar's band but are freed after the dervish narrates Kara-Konchar's exploits, including the dust storm encounter with Jalal al-Din and rescuing Gül-Jamal from the leopard. Learning she is still alive, he plans a rebellion in Gurganj to rescue her from Turkan-Khatun's infamous "tower of eternal oblivion". However, they both die during the Mongol destruction when breached dams flood the city. Following Jochi-khan's death, Hadji Rakhim becomes a tutor to his son, [[Batu]].
In the epilogue, we learn that Tugan survived and joined the Mongol warriors. He goes to Khwarazm to find his brother Hadji Rahim, who is imprisoned and facing death. Tugan saves his brother by giving him pills to feign death and then rescues him under the cover of night.
Genghis Khan sends [[Subutai]] bagatur and [[Jebe]] noyon to locate the ex-Khwarazmian ruler. This advanced detachment conquered [[Semnan, Iran|Simnan]], [[Qom]], [[Zanjan, Iran|Zanjan]] in [[Northern Iran]], sparing only [[Hamadan]], yet fail to find Muhammad. Polovtsian Khan [[Köten]] asks for Russian help, leading to Russian princes gathering near [[Kyiv]]. Subutai clarifies that the Tatars targeted the [[Polovtsian]]s and [[Kipchaks]], not Russians. The Mongols retreat from the [[Dnieper]], deceiving Russian princes into pursuit, then defeat the Kipchaks and [[Mstislav Mstislavich|Mstislav Udatny]]'s forces, slaughtering surrendered Kyiv regiment and executing captured princes during victory celebrations under planks.
Genghis Khan battles in India, where Jalal al-Din seeks refuge. The Mongol ruler aims to conquer the land and eliminate the former Khwarazm Shah's son. The Khan's wife urges advisor [[Yelü Chucai]] to convince Genghis Khan to return home. His health failing, the conqueror seeks a potion of immortality. Yelü suggests the wise [[Taoist]] [[Qiu Chuji]], who is brought before the lord. However, the Chinese sage reveals that immortality is a myth. Shortly after, Genghis Khan passes, naming [[Ögedei]] his heir. Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan and future Khan Batu, remains the ruler of the former Khwarazm.
In the epilogue, it is revealed that Tugan survives and transforms into a Mongol warrior. He travels to Khwarazm to locate his brother, Hadji Rahim, who is imprisoned and awaits execution by the imams. Hadji Rahim is forced to chronicle Genghis Khan's conquests before his death. Tugan gives his brother a potion, inducing unconsciousness and mimicking death. Guards, deceived, discard Hadji Rahim's body at a public dumping site. Tugan then retrieves his brother under cover of darkness and takes him to a secret location.


===Batu===
===Batu===
Hadji Rakhim presents a story of Batu Khan's early days. One night Rakhim sheltered a fugitive claiming to be the envoy of Grand Vizier Mahmud-Yalvach. Rakhim did not realize it was his disciple, Khan Batu. In addition to the old fakih, the fugitive was seen by the [[orphan]] Yülduz who lives with the venerable Nazar-Karizek. Batu is sought after by assassins as he hides and plans to conquer the universe to its furthest edge - the "last sea". He is greeted by Arapsha an-Nasir, a young jigit, with a message from Khan Jalal al-Din. Nazar-Karizek begs horses from Khan Bayander so that he and his sons can participate in the great campaign. Just before leaving, he sells Yülduz for the Khan's harem, and his youngest son Musuk, who was in love with her, renounces his father.


Nazar-Karizek fell into the retinue of Subutai-bagatur, Batu Khan's mentor, and was assigned as a guard and spy to Hadji Rakhim. The fugitive Musuk, who was robbed, is taken into his squad by an Arab woman. Yülduz was also in the light: before leaving [[Sighnaq]], Batu's mother selected seven of his forty wives who were to accompany their lord on a campaign. The Khan ordered that one of the "seven stars" should be Yülduz. The rest were four noble Mongols and two daughters of Khan Bayander, who nicknamed Yülduz "a hard-working, black wife".
This is a story told by Hadji Rahim, who starts off by describing his own rescue. He then goes on to talk about how he served as a scribe, and one night he took in a runaway in fancy clothes who claimed to be a messenger from the great vizier Mahmud-Yalvach. Rahim didn't recognize his former student - [[Batu Khan]] - in the runaway; besides an old [[faqīh]], the runaway was accompanied by an orphan named Yulduz, who lived with the respected Nazar-Kyarizek - the groom of the Kipchak Khan Bayander. Even as a fugitive, Batu shows exceptional qualities of being smart, ruthless, and confident in his guiding star as a warrior. After facing dangers and twists of fate, he becomes a threat to others and, following the advice of his great grandfather, decides to conquer the entire universe to its edge - the last sea. The Chinggisid princes are preparing for the Mongol invasion of Europe, with Nazar-Kyarizek asking for horses for his sons. Before leaving, he sells Yülduz to Khan Bayander's harem, causing his son Musuk to disown him. Musuk finds shelter with Arabsha after being robbed, while Yülduz is chosen to accompany Batu on the campaign. She earns the nickname "hardworking, black wife" from Khan Bayander.


About six months after leaving Sighnaq, in late fall, the Mongol army showed up at the banks of the Volga River. Musuk got injured during a meeting with a group led by the former Grand Duke of [[Principality of Ryazan]], [[Gleb Vladimirovich of Ryazan|Gleb Vladimirovich]]. They were accompanied by Babila, a slave owned by the soothsayer Gazuk. Musuk's years of experience as a fisherman came in handy for crossing the river. In the fall of 1237, Batu-Khan set up camp at Urakova Mountain near [[Yeruslan]]. Gleb Vladimirovich offered to be Batu's main adviser and guide in Russian territories, and Batu agreed, making him a [[nöker]]. One night, Gleb Vladimirovich approached Batu and told him a story about Attila, after which it was said that Batu would be the guiding star of the Mongols. In Olden Ryazan, Prince Yuri met with Mongol envoys, including a Bulgar merchant familiar with the city. When asked to pay a tithe, Prince Yuri sought help from other Russian principalities. The details of the discussions between the Tatar envoys and Prince Georgy remain unknown.
Six months after leaving [[Sighnaq]], in late fall, the Mongol army arrives at the [[Volga]] in late autumn. Musuk is wounded during a meeting with [[Gleb Vladimirovich of Ryazan|Gleb Vladimirovich]], the deposed Grand Duke of [[Principality of Ryazan]], and Babila, a fisherman, helps build a ford across the river. Batu Khan camps at Urakova Mountain near [[Yeruslan]] in the autumn of 1237.


Gleb Vladimirovich joins Batu's service as a [[nöker]], offering guidance through Russian lands during a stormy night. Batu, entertained by Gazuk's tale of [[Attila]], hears his younger wife declare him the Mongols' guiding star. [[Ryazan]] holds a [[veche]] where [[Yuri of Ryazan]] receives Mongolian envoys. One, a Bulgar merchant and suspected spy, demands a tithe on all goods. On [[Evpaty Kolovrat]]'s advice, Yuri seeks aid from Grand Prince [[Yuri II of Vladimir]]. Anticipating disaster, Yuri also calls for assistance from other principalities. The content of the Tatar ambassadors' conversation with Georgy remains a mystery.
During winter, Batu Khan was stationing in an oak grove by the [[Voronezh River]] when some Russian ambassadors showed up with gifts. Batu was not impressed with the gifts he received, but he did like some horses and kept one for himself. Prince Fyodor Yurievich did not show respect to Batu, so his people were treated poorly at a party. When Fyodor was leaving, Batu ordered a massacre. The Khan consulted with his advisors on which route to take for the campaign. Princess Evpraksiya was devastated by her husband's death and took her own life. Subutai's son was captured and revived by a witch named Opalenikha. She refused a reward, showing compassion for him despite his pagan beliefs: “We have mercy on sick cattle. He is a pagan, but his soul is still human...”, she said.
Batu Khan winters by the [[Voronezh River]], rejecting Russian gifts as inferior to Chinese crafts. He accepts only a dozen horses, keeping one black steed and distributing the rest. Prince Fyodor refuses to bow to Batu, treating him as an equal. As punishment, the Ryazan delegation receives the meagerest food portions. They retort with a Polovtsian proverb: "Go to the feast, having eaten your fill at home." Fyodor and his companions are subsequently killed on Batu Khan's orders.
Facing winter's onset, the Mongol leader considers campaigns towards Ryazan or Kyiv. Heeding his advisors Subutai and Hadji Rakhim, he opts to resupply in captured Russian cities. In Ryazan, Princess [[Eupraxia of Kiev]], grieving for her deceased husband, commits suicide. During the Mongol advance, Musuk and Uriankh-Kadan (Subutai's son) are captured by Prince [[Yuri of Ryazan]]. After the defeat of Russians on the Wild Field, the near-frozen Uriankh-Kadan is revived by Baba Opalenikha, a Russian captive. Faced with the powerful commander's offer of reward, she instead reveals a compassionate core: "We show mercy to sick cattle. And even though he is not Christian, he still possesses a human soul...".
Ryazan valiantly resists the Mongolian invasion, but without aid from other Russian lands, it is destroyed. Khan Batu quickly moves towards [[Kolomna]], where an attempt to capture Genghis Khan's son results in death and the city's destruction. Moscow (Mushkaf) and [[Siege of Vladimir|Vladimir]] suffer the same fate. Russian princes unite to form an army under Evpaty Kolovrat to defeat the Mongols, but a traitor alerts the Khan, leading to a devastating attack.


After the defeat of [[Siege of Kozelsk|Kozelsk]], Batu Khan heads south to the Kipchak steppes. He sent Chinese architect Li Tong-po to Urakov Mountain to build a marching palace, the center of a new power. Yulduz requested Nazar-Karizek to accompany her, unforgivable due to past actions. The traitor Gleb is cast out by Arapsha after completing his task.
Despite Ryazan's brave resistance without help from other Russian lands, it is ultimately destroyed by Mongolian forces. Khan Batu quickly moves on to [[Kolomna]], where Genghis Khan's son Kyulkan Khan dies in a failed attempt to capture the city. Moscow (Mushkaf) and [[Siege of Vladimir|Vladimir]] suffer the same fate. But, the Russian princes aren't backing down and decide to secretly gather a united army led by [[Eupaty Kolovrat]] to take on the Mongols. Unfortunately, a traitor tips off the Khan, and the Mongolian forces attack before the Russians can come together. After conquering [[Siege of Kozelsk|Kozelsk]], Batu-khan decides to head south towards the Kipchak steppes. He brings along the Chinese architect Li Tun-po to build a campaign palace at the Ura mountain. Yulduz insists on sending Nazar-Kyarizek with him, despite their past grievances. Arapsha banishes the traitor Gleb into the steppe after he completes his treacherous task.


The ending of "Batu" perfectly coincided with the challenging military year of 1942, highlighting a stark contrast between two key chapters. The first chapter depicted the sound of axes chopping away at Perun's Forest in "And Russia is being rebuilt again!", while the following chapter, "In a distant homeland", painted a somber picture with mournful songs replacing expected triumph. Old Nazar-Kyarizek's return to his native yurt symbolized the heartbreaking loss of his sons who had fallen in the campaign to Russia, bringing back four horses with empty saddles.
"Batu's" finale resonates deeply with the hardships of 1942, contrasting two stark chapters. The chapter titled "And Russia is Being Built Again!" is characterized by the constant rhythmic sound of axes on the burnt remains of Perun's Grove. This serves as a leitmotif throughout the chapter. In stark contrast, the chapter dedicated to the victors' celebration, "In the Distant Homeland," features mournful songs instead of triumphant ones. Returning home, Nazar-Kyarizek carries empty saddles, his sons lost in the Rus' campaign, highlighting the war's true cost.


===To the “Last Sea”===
===To the "Last Sea"===
In the first part of the novel, Duda the Righteous, a skilled seal carver and advisor to the [[Caliph of Baghdad]], learns that Abd-ar-Rahman, a descendant of [[Abd al-Rahman I]], has appeared in the city. Recognizing his potential, they decide to send him north to Batu Khan to address the Tatar threat over [[Iraq]]. Duda serves as secretary and chronicler. Ambassadors travel by ship from the Iron Gate to [[Xacitarxan]], with Islam Agha, the ship's owner, carrying the captivating Byzantine princess Daphne, who is destined for the Mongol khan after being captured by pirates. Meanwhile, Abd-ar-Rahman stays safe, adhering to Genghis Khan's [[Yassa]]. The ambassador consults the wise fortune teller Bibi-Gunduz, who reveals that the young Arab seeks fame over wealth, before continuing to Batu Khan's headquarters with a caravan of Arab merchants.
The story takes place in a grand palace built in the [[Volga]] steppe by Chinese architect Li Tun-po. Musuk, a [[Taiji (Mongol title)|taiji]], serves the young and ambitious Khan Batu, who, recently triumphant in [[Zalesye]], brims with youthful strength and newfound confidence. As he contemplates his destiny, he is determined to propagate the teachings of Genghis Khan and reach the "last sea". Upon arriving at the palace, Batu feels unwell, cared for by his beloved wife Yülduz-Khatun. His brother Ordu scours for a doctor, who happens to be Princess Daphne, brought by the centurion Arapsha alongside Duda.
Rejuvenated, Batu witnesses a scandal among his wives. In a show of authority, he gives three of them to his generals, while Ordu promises Daphne freedom, a herd of mares, and ninety-nine gifts. During an audience with the bishop, Ambassador Abd-ar-Rahman vows his sword and loyalty. Meanwhile, Li Tong-po and chronicler Hadji Rakhim enlighten Batu on the legacy of [[Alexander the Great|Iskander the Two-Horned]], emphasizing that true greatness stems not only from conquest but also from mercy towards the conquered. Inspired, Batu declares the establishment of a new realm — the [[Blue Horde]].
Hadji Rakhim's "Travel Book" continues, detailing Batu Khan's concern over Novgorod's independent spirit. He orders the selection of intelligent captives to gather intelligence. Arapsha finds Savva and Kozhemyaka, who reveal information about [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir]] and [[Alexander Nevsky]]. Subutai promises Alexander a high position, while Arapsha becomes ambassador to [[Novgorod]]. Prince Alexander sends raftsmen with gifts and ransom for the captives. Ambassador Gavrila organizes a bear show for Yülduz-Khatun, earning a reward from Zerbiet-Khanum. After successfully ransoming the captives, Gavrila departs for Novgorod with Emir Arapsha. Gavrila's journey is marked by concern for his wife Lyubava, who nearly became a nun due to infidelity rumors. [[Nogai Khan]] abducts her, but Gavrila rescues her just before she's tonsured.


Batu Khan faces opposition from the Genghisids as he prepares for a campaign to the West. Yulduz advises him not to destroy Kyiv, but to make it a second capital. Nogai Khan, a restless Tatar Khan's son, causes trouble by seducing and kidnapping Ordu's brother's Greek concubine. When Nogai tries to enter Yülduz-Khatun's chambers, Batu and Subotai trap him and send him to the "violent" detachment that includes diverse individuals like Kurdish [[knacker]] Utboy with a horse blanket made from his unfaithful concubine's skin. Utboy gives a blanket for Jalal al-Din's remains. Nogai defeats him, making him confess he didn't beat Shah's son. Mengü-khan leads the initial [[Siege of Kiev (1240)|assault on Kyiv]]. The narrative then shifts to the camp of Polovtsian Khan Köten, where Hungarian [[Friar Julian]] is a guest. Julian carries a haughty message from Batu Khan to his king [[Béla IV of Hungary]]. Parts of the story are told from the perspective of Abd-ar-Rahman, sending reports to Baghdad.
In the beginning of the book, a skilled seal carver and trusted advisor to the Caliph of Baghdad, Duda the Just, announces the arrival of [[Abd al-Rahman I]], a noble descendant of Abd al-Rahman I who conquered [[Spain]]. They decide he should travel north to seek help from Batu Khan to protect [[Iraq]] from the Tatar threat. Duda becomes his secretary and chronicler. They sail by ship from the [[Iron Gates]] to [[Xacitarxan]], owned by Islam-Aga who has the [[Byzantine]] princess Daphne captive. Daphne, described as stirring intense emotions, was taken by pirates on her way to marry a Georgian tsarevitch. Daphne is eventually brought to the Mongol Khan, while Abd-ar-Rahman is spared under [[Yassa]] (Genghis Khan's laws). The Arab ambassador meets Bibi-Günduz, a wise fortune-teller, who reveals that he seeks fame over wealth. He then joins a caravan of Arab merchants heading to Batu Khan's base.


Vadim, an aspiring icon painter, enters Alexander Nevsky's wife's entourage but faces accusations of demonic influence for painting the princess with blue eyes instead of the Virgin Mary. He seeks solace at the [[Kyiv Pechersk Lavra|Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery]] but is eventually forced to take up arms against Mongol invaders. Kievan Rus' stood in the path of the Mongol advance towards the [[Black Sea]], a conflict that also saw the French king facing martyrdom and the [[Holy Roman Emperor]] fleeing to Palestine. However, after the devastating [[Mongol invasion of Europe|conquest of Eastern Europe]], Batu Khan's army, weakened and weary, halts its advance.
The story takes place in a grand palace built in the Volga steppe by Chinese architect Li Tun-po. Musuk, a [[taiji]], serves the young and ambitious Khan Batu, who is determined to fulfill his destiny as a divine ruler and spread Genghis Khan's laws. After feeling unwell, Batu's wives and relatives attend to him, leading to a scandal. In a gesture of goodwill, Batu gifts his wives to his commanders and settles Princess Dafnia with his brother Ordu. During a meeting with Ambassador Abd-ar-Rahman, Batu declares the formation of a new state called the Blue Horde, inspired by the mercy of historical conquerors towards their conquered peoples.


Batu himself is waiting for sad news at home: his noble wives brought his dearly beloved Yülduz to death, and she is mourned by serving intellectuals Haji Rahim and Li Tong-po. The great war shapes the birth of a new powerful state, impacting neighboring regions for centuries. Concluding his narrative, Hadji Rahim writes, "I can only wish my future readers never have to endure the worst our life can offer – the devastating hurricane of a cruel and senseless war".
The fourth part of the narrative is told from the perspective of Hadji Rahim, who continues his "Travel Book". Batu-khan is worried about the independent nature of Veliky Novgorod and orders captives to gather information for him. Arapsha is chosen for this task and learns about [[Yaroslav II of Vladimir]] and his son Alexander Nevsky. Batu gives Alexander the rank of thousandman and appoints Arapsha as an ambassador to Novgorod. Gavrila Olexich successfully ransoms Russian prisoners and avoids humiliation. He is sent back to Novgorod with Emir Arapsha. Gavrila's wife almost enters a monastery due to rumors about him being involved with a Tatar woman, but he convinces her to stay with him.

During the lead-up to the campaign out West, Batu Khan gets pretty ticked off by the resistance from the Chingizids. Even Yulduz suggests he should spare [[Kiev]] and make it a second capital. Later, his brother Ordu complains about his Greek concubine being taken by Iesun-Nokhai, who ends up being the troublemaking son of Tatar Khan. Batu and Subudai set a trap for him and assign him to the "wild" squad, made up of all sorts of characters like the Kurdish hunter Utboy. There's a mix-up with a horse blanket made from a concubine's skin, which leads to some drama with Iesun and Mengu Khan. The story then moves to Khan Kotyan's camp, where a Hungarian monk named Julian delivers a message from Batu to the king. Abd-ar-Rahman reports back to Baghdad throughout the events.

The reader meets Vadim, who dreamed of becoming an icon painter and ended up in the entourage of Alexander Nevsky's wife. After he depicted the princess with blue eyes instead of the Virgin Mary, Father Makari accused him of demonic temptation, and Vadim fled to the [[Kyiv Pechersk Lavra]], hoping to find a worthy mentor and heal his sorrow. He made some initial progress in his chosen art, but was forced to take up arms and fall during the [[Siege of Kiev (1240)]], as the city stood in the way of the Mongols' path to the Western Sea. The King of France is preparing to receive a martyr's crown, while the [[German Emperor]] is fleeing to Palestine. But after the massacre in Eastern Europe, Batu hesitates to move on, his army depleted and weary from intense battles. At home, Batu receives sad news: his noble wives have borne him a "black" child, but his favorite, Yulduz, is mourned by loyal intellectuals, Hadji Rahim and Lee Tun-po. The city grows and thrives, a new powerful state born in the bloody pains of war, shaping the destinies of its neighbors for many centuries to come. In closing his narrative, Haji Rahim expressed his hope that his future readers would not have to endure the devastating impact of a brutal and irrational war.


==Language==
==Language==

The debate over whether Vasily Yan's extensive fiction works should be classified as novels or not raged on, with his trilogy The Invasion of the Mongols serving as a focal point. While the author was adamant that all of his extensive works of fiction were [[novella]]s and not [[novel]]s, critics and literary scholars argued otherwise, labeling works such as "Genghis Khan", "Batu", and "To the “Last Sea”" as novels. In the realm of literary analysis, Vasily Yan was identified as a key figure in the Soviet historical novel genre, known for his depiction of pivotal moments in history and prominent historical figures. Larisa Alexandrova noted the unique aspect of Yan's writing, pointing out that his protagonists often portrayed negative historical figures. Ultimately, the classification and interpretation of Vasily Yan's works continued to spark discussion and debate within literary circles.
The debate over whether Vasily Yan's extensive fiction works should be classified as novels or not raged on, with his trilogy The Invasion of the Mongols serving as a focal point. While the author was adamant that all of his extensive works of fiction were [[novella]]s and not [[novel]]s, critics and literary scholars argued otherwise, labeling works such as "Genghis Khan", "Batu", and "To the "Last Sea"" as novels. In the realm of literary analysis, Vasily Yan was identified as a key figure in the Soviet historical novel genre, known for his depiction of pivotal moments in history and prominent historical figures. Lydia Alexandrova noted the unique aspect of Yan's writing, pointing out that his protagonists often portrayed negative historical figures.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Александрова |first1=Л.П. |title=Советский исторический роман (типология и поэтика) |date=1987 |publisher=Вища школа |location=Киев |pages=21–22}}</ref> Ultimately, the classification and interpretation of Vasily Yan's works continued to spark discussion and debate within literary circles.

The trilogy is seen as a cohesive whole by both the author and critics, characterized by consistent literary techniques and methods of portraying historical events. Vasily Yan found valuable insights into the life of the [[Tuvans]] in the 1920s while working on historical novels about the Mongols. The character of Baba Opalenikha in the novel "Batu" was based on a real resident of Uyuk.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Верещагина |first1=Т. |title=Михаил Янчевецкий: я сделал в жизни главное — выполнил свой сыновний долг |url=http://www.centerasia.ru/issue/2001/18/4983-mikhail-yancheveckiy-ya-sdelal-v-zhizni.html |website=Центр Азии. №18 (27 апреля—3 мая 2001). |publisher=ООО Редакция газеты «Центр Азии» }}</ref>
The trilogy is seen as a cohesive whole by both the author and critics, characterized by consistent literary techniques and methods of portraying historical events. Vasily Yan found valuable insights into the life of the [[Tuvans]] in the 1920s while working on historical novels about the Mongols. The character of Baba Opalenikha in the novel "Batu" was based on a real resident of Uyuk.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Верещагина |first1=Т. |title=Михаил Янчевецкий: я сделал в жизни главное — выполнил свой сыновний долг |url=http://www.centerasia.ru/issue/2001/18/4983-mikhail-yancheveckiy-ya-sdelal-v-zhizni.html |website=Центр Азии. №18 (27 апреля—3 мая 2001). |publisher=ООО Редакция газеты «Центр Азии» }}</ref>

A central theme in "Genghis Khan" is the strained relationship between father and son, specifically the conflict between the great kagan and his eldest son Jochi, who governs in Khorezm. Jochi is portrayed as a distorted reflection of Genghis Khan, sharing his father's intimidating presence and penetrating gaze. The father sent his eldest son to the furthest corner of the kingdom, suspecting him of being a rival. This decision was influenced by the pervasive theme of violence and cruelty that had started in the "Lights on the Mounds" and had infiltrated even the family's habits in the tyrant's inner circle. As a result, Jochi u Yan was brutally killed by mercenaries sent by his father, with his spine broken according to Mongolian tradition.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=В. |title=Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н. Т. Федоренко; сост. М. В. Янчевецкого. |date=1989 |publisher=Правда |location=Москва |pages=560}}</ref> In this regard, Vasily Yan did not shy away from straightforwardness and, while carrying out the super-task of exposing the tyrant, he presented deliberately accusatory descriptions. Even the appearance of Genghis Khan is unaesthetic and repulsive: when he is happy, he claps "big hands on his heavy belly", and his mouth stretches "into a semblance of a smile", and his laughter resembles the howl of "a big old wolfhound". In anger, he orders to feed the swift dog "with the heart of a boy" - the son of the defeated Jalal ad-Din, and when "the Mongol executioner, smiling proudly from ear to ear", brings him "a little smoking heart", he grunts, "like an old boar".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=В. |title=Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н. Т. Федоренко; сост. М. В. Янчевецкого. |date=1989 |publisher=Правда |location=Москва |pages=35-37}}</ref>
A central theme in "Genghis Khan" is the strained relationship between father and son, specifically the conflict between the great kagan and his eldest son Jochi, who governs in Khwarazm. Jochi is portrayed as a distorted reflection of Genghis Khan, sharing his father's intimidating presence and penetrating gaze. As a result, in Vasily Yan's work, Jochi was brutally killed by mercenaries on his father's orders, with his spine broken as per Mongolian tradition.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=В. |title=Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н.Т. Федоренко; сост. М.В. Янчевецкого. |date=1989 |publisher=Правда |location=Москва |pages=560}}</ref> Vasily Yan fearlessly exposed the [[tyrant]] Genghis Khan with accusatory descriptions, depicting his appearance as unaesthetic and repulsive. He described how Khan clapped his hands on his belly when happy, with a smile resembling a semblance, and laughter akin to a wolfhound's howl. In anger, Khan ordered the feeding of a swift dog with a defeated boy's heart, and upon receiving the heart, he grunted like an old boar. Yan's straightforwardness in presenting these details emphasized the tyrant's cruelty and brutality.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ян |first1=В. |title=Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н.Т. Федоренко; сост. М. В. Янчевецкого. |date=1989 |publisher=Правда |location=Москва |pages=35–37}}</ref>

The composition of the trilogy was based on the chronicle of the Mongol campaign to the West. Consequently, the culmination and finale of the first book is the death of the "Shaker of the Universe". In the second part, his grandson Batu acts, with whom his grandfather had hopes of continuing the great cause. The plot of the trilogy is determined by the history and geography of the conquering campaigns of Genghis Khan and Batu. In the two parts of the trilogy, a harmonious unity of content and form was achieved, based on a deep knowledge of historical reality. For example, when [[Subutai]] and [[Jebe]] send a messenger to Mongolia after the [[Battle of the Kalka River]], not knowing how to write, they compose a message in the form of a song and make the messenger sing it "nine times nine", because the number nine was a sacred number for the Mongols. Similarly, describing the first appearance of the young Batu-khan, Yan notes that three arrows with red feathers were sticking out of his quiver, given to him according to his rank.
The composition of the trilogy was based on the chronicle of the Mongol campaign to the West. Consequently, the culmination and finale of the first book is the death of the "Shaker of the Universe". In the second part, his grandson Batu acts, with whom his grandfather had hopes of continuing the great cause. The plot of the trilogy is determined by the history and geography of the conquering campaigns of Genghis Khan and Batu. In the two parts of the trilogy, a harmonious unity of content and form was achieved, based on a deep knowledge of historical reality. For example, when [[Subutai]] and [[Jebe]] send a messenger to Mongolia after the [[Battle of the Kalka River]], not knowing how to write, they compose a message in the form of a song and make the messenger sing it "nine times nine", because the number nine was a sacred number for the Mongols. Similarly, describing the first appearance of the young Batu-khan, Yan notes that three arrows with red feathers were sticking out of his quiver, given to him according to his rank.

Valentin Oskotsky believed that the most compelling aspect of this novel was the vivid depiction of Batu Khan's campaign "when the sun goes down", where Kiev defiantly stood against the Mongol forces, refusing to surrender like other cities that had fallen to the Tatars.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Оскоцкий |first1=В.Д. |title=Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа) |date=1980 |publisher=Художественная литература |location=Москва |pages=384}}</ref> Vasily Yan aimed to contrast Batu Khan's aggressive tactics with Alexander Yaroslavich's cautious approach, as the latter strategically avoided direct conflict with the Horde despite his victories over the Swedes and Livonian knights. In the artistic world created by Vasily Yan, Genghis Khan and Batu Khan symbolized destruction, while Alexander Nevsky represented creation through his military prowess and governance. Although the author's attempt to juxtapose these contrasting figures may not have been completely successful, the novel effectively showcased their divergent qualities and ideologies.
Valentin Oskotsky believed that the most compelling aspect of this novel was the vivid depiction of Batu Khan's campaign "when the sun goes down", where Kiev defiantly stood against the Mongol forces, refusing to surrender like other cities that had fallen to the Tatars.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Оскоцкий |first1=В.Д. |title=Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа) |date=1980 |publisher=Художественная литература |location=Москва |pages=384}}</ref> Vasily Yan aimed to contrast Batu Khan's aggressive tactics with Alexander Yaroslavich's cautious approach, as the latter strategically avoided direct conflict with the Horde despite his victories over the Swedes and Livonian knights. In the artistic world created by Vasily Yan, Genghis Khan and Batu Khan symbolized destruction, while Alexander Nevsky represented creation through his military prowess and governance. Although the author's attempt to juxtapose these contrasting figures may not have been completely successful, the novel effectively showcased their divergent qualities and ideologies.

==Criticism==
==Criticism==

Valentin Oskotsky, a literary critic, thought that Vasily Yan's trilogy of "main books" had some success but also had some hurdles when it came to getting published because of their controversial themes. It took five years to publish "Genghis Khan," even with support from Maxim Gorky, because it was risky to criticize tyranny in the 1930s. But once World War II started, things changed, and the novel became a groundbreaking work in Soviet literature that challenged the norms of the time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Оскотский |first1=В.Д. |title=Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа). |date=1980 |publisher=Художественная литература |pages=384}}</ref>
Valentin Oskotsky, a literary critic, thought that Vasily Yan's trilogy of "main books" had some success but also had some hurdles when it came to getting published because of their controversial themes. It took five years to publish "Genghis Khan," even with support from Maxim Gorky, because it was risky to criticize tyranny in the 1930s. But once World War II started, things changed, and the novel became a groundbreaking work in Soviet literature that challenged the norms of the time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Оскотский |first1=В.Д. |title=Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа). |date=1980 |publisher=Художественная литература |pages=384}}</ref>

The early reviews of "Genghis Khan" from 1939-1940 weren't great. Critics like Georgy Schtorm thought Vasily Yan focused too much on traditional exoticism in the East, while Zoya Kedrina liked the colorful language but felt the plot lacked cohesion. Sergei Khmelnitsky was especially tough, saying Yan oversimplified historical events despite knowing his stuff.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Лобанова |first1=Т.К. |title=Исторические романы Василия Яна : АН Узб. ССР, Ин-т языка и литературы им. А. С. Пушкина. |date=1979 |publisher=Наука |location=Москва |pages=191}}</ref>
The early reviews of "Genghis Khan" from 1939-1940 weren't great. Critics like Georgy Schtorm thought Vasily Yan focused too much on traditional exoticism in the East, while Zoya Kedrina liked the colorful language but felt the plot lacked cohesion. Sergei Khmelnitsky was especially tough, saying Yan oversimplified historical events despite knowing his stuff.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Лобанова |first1=Т.К. |title=Исторические романы Василия Яна : АН Узб. ССР, Ин-т языка и литературы им. А. С. Пушкина. |date=1979 |publisher=Наука |location=Москва |pages=191}}</ref>

During the war years, the reissued novel received more positive reviews. Critics such as Leonid Volynsky and Valery Kirpotin praised Vasily Yan's novels for bringing the past to life and showing his passion for modernity and historical truth. Zoya Kedrina also complimented the writer's skill and accuracy in her review of the second novel in the trilogy. The overall message was in line with official Soviet evaluations, with A. Fadeev stating in 1942 that Yan's novels inspired patriotism and national pride in the Soviet people. Other critics agreed, emphasizing the relevancy and significance of Yan's works during that time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. В. |title=Писатель-историк В.Ян. Очерк творчества |date=1977 |publisher=Детская литература |location=Москва |pages=192}}</ref> [[Lev Razgon]] praised Yanchevetsky as a writer who carried on the compassionate traditions of Russian literature, instilling a sense of dignity and resilience in his readers.<ref>{{cite book|author=Разгон, Лев|title=Плен в своем отечестве|year=1994|publisher=Книжный сад|location=Москва|isbn=5856760255|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VjoUcgAACAAJ}}</ref> Igor Kondakov observed a peak in interest for Yan's work during the tumultuous years of the 1980s-1990s, when individuals grappling with the aftermath of the empire sought solace and guidance in Yan's novels.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Кондаков |first1=И.В. |title=Ян Василий Григорьевич // Русские писатели 20 века: Биографический словарь / Гл. ред. и сост. П.А. Николаев. |publisher=Большая Российская энциклопедия; Рандеву |location=Москва |pages=800}}</ref>
During the war years, the reissued novel received more positive reviews. Critics such as Leonid Volynsky and Valery Kirpotin praised Vasily Yan's novels for bringing the past to life and showing his passion for modernity and historical truth. Zoya Kedrina also complimented the writer's skill and accuracy in her review of the second novel in the trilogy. The overall message was in line with official Soviet evaluations, with A. Fadeev stating in 1942 that Yan's novels inspired patriotism and national pride in the Soviet people. Other critics agreed, emphasizing the relevancy and significance of Yan's works during that time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. В. |title=Писатель-историк В.Ян. Очерк творчества |date=1977 |publisher=Детская литература |location=Москва |pages=192}}</ref> [[Lev Razgon]] praised Yanchevetsky as a writer who carried on the compassionate traditions of Russian literature, instilling a sense of dignity and resilience in his readers.<ref>{{cite book|author=Разгон, Лев|title=Плен в своем отечестве|year=1994|publisher=Книжный сад|location=Москва|isbn=5856760255|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VjoUcgAACAAJ}}</ref> Igor Kondakov observed a peak in interest for Yan's work during the tumultuous years of the 1980s-1990s, when individuals grappling with the aftermath of the empire sought solace and guidance in Yan's novels.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Кондаков |first1=И.В. |title=Ян Василий Григорьевич // Русские писатели 20 века: Биографический словарь / Гл. ред. и сост. П.А. Николаев. |publisher=Большая Российская энциклопедия; Рандеву |location=Москва |pages=800}}</ref>

Sergei Petrov, a Soviet literary scholar and critic, had some thoughts on the novel Genghis Khan. He mentioned how the author switches between a descriptive style and a more analytical one. On the other hand, Larisa Alexandrova liked how Vasily Yan used documentation in the novel, comparing it to [[Alexander Pushkin]]'s [[The Captain's Daughter]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Александрова |first1=Л.П. |title=Советский исторический роман (типология и поэтика) |date=1987 |publisher=Вища школа |location=Киев |pages=160}}</ref> Yan's incorporation of historical quotes as chapter epigraphs gives the text a sense of authenticity and unity. The character of chronicler Haji-Rahim is seen as a trustworthy narrator in the trilogy, adding credibility to the events in the story.
Sergei Petrov, a Soviet literary scholar and critic, had some thoughts on the novel Genghis Khan. He mentioned how the author switches between a descriptive style and a more analytical one. On the other hand, Lydia Alexandrova liked how Vasily Yan used documentation in the novel, comparing it to [[Alexander Pushkin]]'s [[The Captain's Daughter]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Александрова |first1=Л.П. |title=Советский исторический роман (типология и поэтика) |date=1987 |publisher=Вища школа |location=Киев |pages=160}}</ref> Yan's incorporation of historical quotes as chapter epigraphs gives the text a sense of authenticity and unity. The character of chronicler Hadji Rakhim is seen as a trustworthy narrator in the trilogy, adding credibility to the events in the story.

In 2016, Russian writer [[Dmitry Bykov]] casually talked about how Vasily Yan winning the Stalin Prize was a big deal, saying his novels about the Mongol horde were like a blueprint for Stalin's empire.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Быков |first1=Д.Л. |title=Василий Ян. «Батый». Сто лет — сто лекций Дмитрия Быкова. Выпуск № 43 |url=https://tvrain.ru/lite/teleshow/sto_lektsij_s_dmitriem_bykovym/batyj-414375/ |website=Tvrain.ru |access-date=5 August 2024}}</ref> Bykov wasn't a fan of Yan's fancy writing style, saying it was old-fashioned and lacking in new ideas. But despite that, Yan's books were a hit in both the USSR days and modern Russia. Another literary scholar, Wolfgang Kazak, mentioned in his book that Yan's novels, which focused on fighting against a stronger enemy and fighting for liberation, were super relevant before the war, which is why he got the Stalin Prize.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Козак |first1=В. |title=Ян. Лексикон русской литературы XX века = Lexikon der russischen Literatur ab 1917 / [пер. с нем.] |date=1996 |publisher=РИК «Культура» |location=Москва |isbn=5-8334-0019-8 |pages=492}}</ref>
In 2016, Russian writer [[Dmitry Bykov]] casually talked about how Vasily Yan winning the Stalin Prize was a big deal, saying his novels about the Mongol horde were like a blueprint for Stalin's empire.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Быков |first1=Д.Л. |title=Василий Ян. «Батый». Сто лет — сто лекций Дмитрия Быкова. Выпуск № 43 |url=https://tvrain.ru/lite/teleshow/sto_lektsij_s_dmitriem_bykovym/batyj-414375/ |website=Tvrain.ru |access-date=5 August 2024}}</ref> Bykov wasn't a fan of Yan's fancy writing style, saying it was old-fashioned and lacking in new ideas. But despite that, Yan's books were a hit in both the USSR days and modern Russia. Another literary scholar, Wolfgang Kazak, mentioned in his book that Yan's novels, which focused on fighting against a stronger enemy and fighting for liberation, were super relevant before the war, which is why he got the Stalin Prize.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Козак |first1=В. |title=Ян. Лексикон русской литературы XX века = Lexikon der russischen Literatur ab 1917 / [пер. с нем.] |date=1996 |publisher=РИК «Культура» |location=Москва |isbn=5-8334-0019-8 |pages=492}}</ref>

==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
*{{cite journal |last1=Баскаков |first1=Е.Н. |title=Средняя Азия в жизни Василия Григорьевича Янчевецкого |journal=Форум молодых учёных |date=2019 |volume=38 |issue=10 |pages=76–79 |issn=2500-4050}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Баскаков |first1=Е.Н. |title=Средняя Азия в жизни Василия Григорьевича Янчевецкого |journal=Форум молодых учёных |date=2019 |volume=38 |issue=10 |pages=76–79 |issn=2500-4050}}
Line 118: Line 127:
*{{cite journal |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. |title=О новых изданиях и литературном наследии В. Яна |journal=Русская литература |date=1972 |issue=2 |pages=190–191}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. |title=О новых изданиях и литературном наследии В. Яна |journal=Русская литература |date=1972 |issue=2 |pages=190–191}}
*{{cite book |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. |title=Писатель-историк В. Ян. Очерк творчества. |date=1977 |publisher=Детская литература |location=Москва |pages=192}}
*{{cite book |last1=Янчевецкий |first1=М. |title=Писатель-историк В. Ян. Очерк творчества. |date=1977 |publisher=Детская литература |location=Москва |pages=192}}

== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{cite web|author=[[Dmitry Bykov]]|title=Василий Ян. «Батый»|url=https://tvrain.ru/lite/teleshow/sto_lektsij_s_dmitriem_bykovym/batyj-414375/|website=Сто лет — сто лекций Дмитрия Быкова. Выпуск № 43|publisher=[[Tvrain.ru]]|date=2016-07-30|accessdate=2020-06-08|ref=Быков}}
* {{cite web|author=[[Dmitry Bykov]]|title=Василий Ян. «Батый»|url=https://tvrain.ru/lite/teleshow/sto_lektsij_s_dmitriem_bykovym/batyj-414375/|website=Сто лет — сто лекций Дмитрия Быкова. Выпуск № 43|publisher=[[Tvrain.ru]]|date=2016-07-30|accessdate=2020-06-08|ref=Быков}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101113102742/http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/mongols/goldenHorde.html ''The Islamic World to 1600: The Golden Horde'']
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101113102742/http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/mongols/goldenHorde.html ''The Islamic World to 1600: The Golden Horde'']
* {{cite web|title=Ян Василий Григорьевич|url=http://hrono.ru/biograf/bio_ya/yan_vasgrig.html|publisher=Проект ХРОНОС|accessdate=2019-12-22}}
* {{cite web|title=Ян Василий Григорьевич|url=http://hrono.ru/biograf/bio_ya/yan_vasgrig.html|publisher=Проект ХРОНОС|accessdate=2019-12-22}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mongol Invasion (trilogy), The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mongol Invasion (trilogy), The}}
{{Draft categories|
[[:Category:Molodaya Gvardiya (publisher) books]]
[[Category:Molodaya Gvardiya (publisher) books]]
[[:Category:Series of books]]
[[Category:Series of books]]
[[:Category:Biographical books]]}}
[[Category:Biographical books]]

Latest revision as of 14:58, 6 December 2024

The Mongol Invasion (trilogy)
AuthorVasily Yan
Original titleНашествие монголов (трилогия)
LanguageRussian
GenreNovel (Historical novel)
Publication date
1939—1954
Publication placeSoviet Union
Pages1056
Original text
Нашествие монголов (трилогия) at Russian Wikisource

The Mongol Invasion is a trilogy of historical novels by Soviet writer Vasily Yan that explores the Mongol conquests, including the Mongol conquest of Central Asia and their Western campaign, as well as the resistance of the peoples living in Central Asia and Eastern Europe during the early 13th century.[1] This trilogy is considered the author's most renowned work and comprises the novels "Genghis Khan" (1939), "Batu" (1942), and "To the "Last Sea" (1955).[2]

Vasily Yan became interested in the theme of Genghis Khan's conquests in the early 20th century while serving in the Transcaspian region.[3] Vasiliy Yan was inspired to write after having a dream in which Genghis Khan attempted to defeat him. In 1934, after receiving a recommendation from Maxim Gorky, the publishing house Young Guard commissioned Yan to write a story about Genghis Khan.[4] However, due to various circumstances, the story was not published until 1939.

By February of 1940, the manuscript for the sequel "Batu" had already been submitted to Goslitizdat. Just two months later, the writer also offered a children's adaptation titled "Invasion of Batu" to Detgiz. As the Great Patriotic War unfolded in 1941, it became evident that his books were incredibly relevant to the current circumstances.[5] On July 21st of that year, Vasily Yan was officially admitted to the Union of Soviet Writers. Thanks to the recommendation of Alexander Fadeev, the writer was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Stalin Prize of the first degree for his work in 1941.

During the Great Patriotic War, the writer kept working on his project even while being evacuated in Uzbekistan. When he got back to Moscow, his third book, "The Golden Horde and Alexander the Restless", was officially announced in the April 22, 1945 edition of "Literaturnaya Gazeta". Excerpts from the highly anticipated book had already been published in various prominent publications. The author submitted the manuscript to Goslitizdat at the end of 1948, but faced opposition from archaeologist Artemiy Artsikhovsky and writer Alexei Yugov. This led to significant revisions to the text. The novel was eventually split into two parts in 1950, and published posthumously in 1955 after the writer passed away.

The trilogy garnered high praise from a wide range of experts such as historians specializing in Russian, medieval, and Oriental studies, as well as critics and literary scholars. As a result of the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the books gained immense popularity and were in constant demand, leading to numerous reprints.

Books

[edit]

Genghis Khan

[edit]

The story starts close to Gurganj in Khwarazm, where a beggar dervish named Hadji Rakhim Baghdadi is on his way. He comes across a ravaged caravan in the desert and is informed by the surviving merchant Mahmud-Yalvach that the infamous thief Kara-Konchar ("black sword") is responsible for it. A dust storm forces them to seek shelter with nomads. They are joined by bey Jalal al-Din, son of the powerful ruler Muhammad II of Khwarazm, lost while hunting goitered gazelles. The group shares a meal, including the bey's prey, and extends hospitality to Kara-Konchar. Khan Jalal grants Kara-Konchar safe passage to Gurganj.

In Gurganj, Hadji Rakhim discovers his father and brother are dead in prison and finds his home abandoned. He escapes to Baghdad. There, Muhammad orders the execution of ten prisoners but spares a boy named Tugan, whom Rakhim recognizes as his brother. When a teacher-blacksmith refuses to help, Rakhim becomes Tugan's protector. He orders a dagger forged from Tugan's shackles, while Mahmud-Yalvach provides him with financial assistance.

Shah Muhammad, persuaded by his mother Turkan-Khatun, assigns his young son as heir, exiling Jalal ad-Din to Ghazna near India. He also strives to unveil the true identity of his 301st wife, Gül-Jamal, a Turkmen woman. When a sorceress fails to reveal her secrets, Gül-Jamal finds herself trapped in a locked room with a leopard, but is saved by Kara-Konchar. Uprisings in the East trouble the palace, leading Muhammad to march to Samarkand after persuasion from his mother.

Timur-Melik, leader of the Shah's guards, shares a meal with Kara-Konchar and the disgraced bey Jalal al-Din. A captured Türkic hunter, reluctant to serve Genghis Khan, reveals details about the Mongol leader during the meal. Meanwhile, spurred by his mother, Muhammad marches east, refusing Mongol peace offers. He initially achieves military success, but Genghis Khan's son subsequently breaks through his defenses, leading to a catastrophic defeat for the Khwarazmian ruler.

Following the suppression of the Samarkand uprising, Shah Muhammad encounters Genghis Khan's traders, including Mahmud-Yalvach, who informs him of Genghis's power. The Shah attempts to bribe Mahmud with a pearl, but Mahmud betrays him to Genghis. This betrayal leads to Mongol soldiers infiltrating Khwarazm, ultimately triggering Genghis Khan's invasion after their discovery and execution in Otrar.

Facing Mongol invasion, Shah Muhammad orders taxes to be collected three years in advance and drafts men for military service. Kurban-Qyzyk, a destitute peasant, faces hardship and seeks a tax reprieve in Bukhara, only to lose his horse and become vulnerable. Bukhara falls swiftly to the Mongol onslaught. The Kagan celebrates his triumph as Shah Muhammad, his son, and jigits, including Kurban-Qyzyk, flee westward towards Iran. Samarkand also falls under Mongol control, followed by another city – Merv.

Abandoned by all, including Kurban, Shah Muhammad tragically ends up on a leper island, losing his mind and eventually dying. Timur-Melik performs his burial, breaks the sword, and embraces a life as a dervish. Kurban, after slaying a Mongol and seizing his horse, rushes home only to find his mother and wife near death, their children deceased. Genghis Khan distributes the former Khwarazmian ruler's daughters to his sons and allies. Turkan-Khatun, ones powerful and self-proclaimed "mistress of all the women of the universe", now sings for scraps of food at Genghis Khan's yurt, a deeply tragic turn.

Jalal al-Din remains the only one to resist the Mongols, with his army growing like a snowball. Internal treachery, however, crippled his ability to confront the invaders directly. After defeat, he leaps into the tumultuous Sindh River, swims to the opposite bank, threatens Genghis Khan with his sword, and then makes his escape. For years, Jalal al-Din and his brave followers continued to fight against the Mongols, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who refused to submit to the invasion.

Hadji Rakhim serves Mahmud-Yalvach and is sent by him to deliver a message to Jochi, the Khagan's son. While in the desert, Rakhim and Tugan are captured by Kara-Konchar's band but are freed after the dervish narrates Kara-Konchar's exploits, including the dust storm encounter with Jalal al-Din and rescuing Gül-Jamal from the leopard. Learning she is still alive, he plans a rebellion in Gurganj to rescue her from Turkan-Khatun's infamous "tower of eternal oblivion". However, they both die during the Mongol destruction when breached dams flood the city. Following Jochi-khan's death, Hadji Rakhim becomes a tutor to his son, Batu.

Genghis Khan sends Subutai bagatur and Jebe noyon to locate the ex-Khwarazmian ruler. This advanced detachment conquered Simnan, Qom, Zanjan in Northern Iran, sparing only Hamadan, yet fail to find Muhammad. Polovtsian Khan Köten asks for Russian help, leading to Russian princes gathering near Kyiv. Subutai clarifies that the Tatars targeted the Polovtsians and Kipchaks, not Russians. The Mongols retreat from the Dnieper, deceiving Russian princes into pursuit, then defeat the Kipchaks and Mstislav Udatny's forces, slaughtering surrendered Kyiv regiment and executing captured princes during victory celebrations under planks.

Genghis Khan battles in India, where Jalal al-Din seeks refuge. The Mongol ruler aims to conquer the land and eliminate the former Khwarazm Shah's son. The Khan's wife urges advisor Yelü Chucai to convince Genghis Khan to return home. His health failing, the conqueror seeks a potion of immortality. Yelü suggests the wise Taoist Qiu Chuji, who is brought before the lord. However, the Chinese sage reveals that immortality is a myth. Shortly after, Genghis Khan passes, naming Ögedei his heir. Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan and future Khan Batu, remains the ruler of the former Khwarazm.

In the epilogue, it is revealed that Tugan survives and transforms into a Mongol warrior. He travels to Khwarazm to locate his brother, Hadji Rahim, who is imprisoned and awaits execution by the imams. Hadji Rahim is forced to chronicle Genghis Khan's conquests before his death. Tugan gives his brother a potion, inducing unconsciousness and mimicking death. Guards, deceived, discard Hadji Rahim's body at a public dumping site. Tugan then retrieves his brother under cover of darkness and takes him to a secret location.

Batu

[edit]

Hadji Rakhim presents a story of Batu Khan's early days. One night Rakhim sheltered a fugitive claiming to be the envoy of Grand Vizier Mahmud-Yalvach. Rakhim did not realize it was his disciple, Khan Batu. In addition to the old fakih, the fugitive was seen by the orphan Yülduz who lives with the venerable Nazar-Karizek. Batu is sought after by assassins as he hides and plans to conquer the universe to its furthest edge - the "last sea". He is greeted by Arapsha an-Nasir, a young jigit, with a message from Khan Jalal al-Din. Nazar-Karizek begs horses from Khan Bayander so that he and his sons can participate in the great campaign. Just before leaving, he sells Yülduz for the Khan's harem, and his youngest son Musuk, who was in love with her, renounces his father.

Nazar-Karizek fell into the retinue of Subutai-bagatur, Batu Khan's mentor, and was assigned as a guard and spy to Hadji Rakhim. The fugitive Musuk, who was robbed, is taken into his squad by an Arab woman. Yülduz was also in the light: before leaving Sighnaq, Batu's mother selected seven of his forty wives who were to accompany their lord on a campaign. The Khan ordered that one of the "seven stars" should be Yülduz. The rest were four noble Mongols and two daughters of Khan Bayander, who nicknamed Yülduz "a hard-working, black wife".

Six months after leaving Sighnaq, in late fall, the Mongol army arrives at the Volga in late autumn. Musuk is wounded during a meeting with Gleb Vladimirovich, the deposed Grand Duke of Principality of Ryazan, and Babila, a fisherman, helps build a ford across the river. Batu Khan camps at Urakova Mountain near Yeruslan in the autumn of 1237.

Gleb Vladimirovich joins Batu's service as a nöker, offering guidance through Russian lands during a stormy night. Batu, entertained by Gazuk's tale of Attila, hears his younger wife declare him the Mongols' guiding star. Ryazan holds a veche where Yuri of Ryazan receives Mongolian envoys. One, a Bulgar merchant and suspected spy, demands a tithe on all goods. On Evpaty Kolovrat's advice, Yuri seeks aid from Grand Prince Yuri II of Vladimir. Anticipating disaster, Yuri also calls for assistance from other principalities. The content of the Tatar ambassadors' conversation with Georgy remains a mystery.

Batu Khan winters by the Voronezh River, rejecting Russian gifts as inferior to Chinese crafts. He accepts only a dozen horses, keeping one black steed and distributing the rest. Prince Fyodor refuses to bow to Batu, treating him as an equal. As punishment, the Ryazan delegation receives the meagerest food portions. They retort with a Polovtsian proverb: "Go to the feast, having eaten your fill at home." Fyodor and his companions are subsequently killed on Batu Khan's orders.

Facing winter's onset, the Mongol leader considers campaigns towards Ryazan or Kyiv. Heeding his advisors Subutai and Hadji Rakhim, he opts to resupply in captured Russian cities. In Ryazan, Princess Eupraxia of Kiev, grieving for her deceased husband, commits suicide. During the Mongol advance, Musuk and Uriankh-Kadan (Subutai's son) are captured by Prince Yuri of Ryazan. After the defeat of Russians on the Wild Field, the near-frozen Uriankh-Kadan is revived by Baba Opalenikha, a Russian captive. Faced with the powerful commander's offer of reward, she instead reveals a compassionate core: "We show mercy to sick cattle. And even though he is not Christian, he still possesses a human soul...".

Ryazan valiantly resists the Mongolian invasion, but without aid from other Russian lands, it is destroyed. Khan Batu quickly moves towards Kolomna, where an attempt to capture Genghis Khan's son results in death and the city's destruction. Moscow (Mushkaf) and Vladimir suffer the same fate. Russian princes unite to form an army under Evpaty Kolovrat to defeat the Mongols, but a traitor alerts the Khan, leading to a devastating attack.

After the defeat of Kozelsk, Batu Khan heads south to the Kipchak steppes. He sent Chinese architect Li Tong-po to Urakov Mountain to build a marching palace, the center of a new power. Yulduz requested Nazar-Karizek to accompany her, unforgivable due to past actions. The traitor Gleb is cast out by Arapsha after completing his task.

"Batu's" finale resonates deeply with the hardships of 1942, contrasting two stark chapters. The chapter titled "And Russia is Being Built Again!" is characterized by the constant rhythmic sound of axes on the burnt remains of Perun's Grove. This serves as a leitmotif throughout the chapter. In stark contrast, the chapter dedicated to the victors' celebration, "In the Distant Homeland," features mournful songs instead of triumphant ones. Returning home, Nazar-Kyarizek carries empty saddles, his sons lost in the Rus' campaign, highlighting the war's true cost.

To the "Last Sea"

[edit]

In the first part of the novel, Duda the Righteous, a skilled seal carver and advisor to the Caliph of Baghdad, learns that Abd-ar-Rahman, a descendant of Abd al-Rahman I, has appeared in the city. Recognizing his potential, they decide to send him north to Batu Khan to address the Tatar threat over Iraq. Duda serves as secretary and chronicler. Ambassadors travel by ship from the Iron Gate to Xacitarxan, with Islam Agha, the ship's owner, carrying the captivating Byzantine princess Daphne, who is destined for the Mongol khan after being captured by pirates. Meanwhile, Abd-ar-Rahman stays safe, adhering to Genghis Khan's Yassa. The ambassador consults the wise fortune teller Bibi-Gunduz, who reveals that the young Arab seeks fame over wealth, before continuing to Batu Khan's headquarters with a caravan of Arab merchants.

The story takes place in a grand palace built in the Volga steppe by Chinese architect Li Tun-po. Musuk, a taiji, serves the young and ambitious Khan Batu, who, recently triumphant in Zalesye, brims with youthful strength and newfound confidence. As he contemplates his destiny, he is determined to propagate the teachings of Genghis Khan and reach the "last sea". Upon arriving at the palace, Batu feels unwell, cared for by his beloved wife Yülduz-Khatun. His brother Ordu scours for a doctor, who happens to be Princess Daphne, brought by the centurion Arapsha alongside Duda.

Rejuvenated, Batu witnesses a scandal among his wives. In a show of authority, he gives three of them to his generals, while Ordu promises Daphne freedom, a herd of mares, and ninety-nine gifts. During an audience with the bishop, Ambassador Abd-ar-Rahman vows his sword and loyalty. Meanwhile, Li Tong-po and chronicler Hadji Rakhim enlighten Batu on the legacy of Iskander the Two-Horned, emphasizing that true greatness stems not only from conquest but also from mercy towards the conquered. Inspired, Batu declares the establishment of a new realm — the Blue Horde.

Hadji Rakhim's "Travel Book" continues, detailing Batu Khan's concern over Novgorod's independent spirit. He orders the selection of intelligent captives to gather intelligence. Arapsha finds Savva and Kozhemyaka, who reveal information about Yaroslav II of Vladimir and Alexander Nevsky. Subutai promises Alexander a high position, while Arapsha becomes ambassador to Novgorod. Prince Alexander sends raftsmen with gifts and ransom for the captives. Ambassador Gavrila organizes a bear show for Yülduz-Khatun, earning a reward from Zerbiet-Khanum. After successfully ransoming the captives, Gavrila departs for Novgorod with Emir Arapsha. Gavrila's journey is marked by concern for his wife Lyubava, who nearly became a nun due to infidelity rumors. Nogai Khan abducts her, but Gavrila rescues her just before she's tonsured.

Batu Khan faces opposition from the Genghisids as he prepares for a campaign to the West. Yulduz advises him not to destroy Kyiv, but to make it a second capital. Nogai Khan, a restless Tatar Khan's son, causes trouble by seducing and kidnapping Ordu's brother's Greek concubine. When Nogai tries to enter Yülduz-Khatun's chambers, Batu and Subotai trap him and send him to the "violent" detachment that includes diverse individuals like Kurdish knacker Utboy with a horse blanket made from his unfaithful concubine's skin. Utboy gives a blanket for Jalal al-Din's remains. Nogai defeats him, making him confess he didn't beat Shah's son. Mengü-khan leads the initial assault on Kyiv. The narrative then shifts to the camp of Polovtsian Khan Köten, where Hungarian Friar Julian is a guest. Julian carries a haughty message from Batu Khan to his king Béla IV of Hungary. Parts of the story are told from the perspective of Abd-ar-Rahman, sending reports to Baghdad.

Vadim, an aspiring icon painter, enters Alexander Nevsky's wife's entourage but faces accusations of demonic influence for painting the princess with blue eyes instead of the Virgin Mary. He seeks solace at the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery but is eventually forced to take up arms against Mongol invaders. Kievan Rus' stood in the path of the Mongol advance towards the Black Sea, a conflict that also saw the French king facing martyrdom and the Holy Roman Emperor fleeing to Palestine. However, after the devastating conquest of Eastern Europe, Batu Khan's army, weakened and weary, halts its advance.

Batu himself is waiting for sad news at home: his noble wives brought his dearly beloved Yülduz to death, and she is mourned by serving intellectuals Haji Rahim and Li Tong-po. The great war shapes the birth of a new powerful state, impacting neighboring regions for centuries. Concluding his narrative, Hadji Rahim writes, "I can only wish my future readers never have to endure the worst our life can offer – the devastating hurricane of a cruel and senseless war".

Language

[edit]

The debate over whether Vasily Yan's extensive fiction works should be classified as novels or not raged on, with his trilogy The Invasion of the Mongols serving as a focal point. While the author was adamant that all of his extensive works of fiction were novellas and not novels, critics and literary scholars argued otherwise, labeling works such as "Genghis Khan", "Batu", and "To the "Last Sea"" as novels. In the realm of literary analysis, Vasily Yan was identified as a key figure in the Soviet historical novel genre, known for his depiction of pivotal moments in history and prominent historical figures. Lydia Alexandrova noted the unique aspect of Yan's writing, pointing out that his protagonists often portrayed negative historical figures.[6] Ultimately, the classification and interpretation of Vasily Yan's works continued to spark discussion and debate within literary circles.

The trilogy is seen as a cohesive whole by both the author and critics, characterized by consistent literary techniques and methods of portraying historical events. Vasily Yan found valuable insights into the life of the Tuvans in the 1920s while working on historical novels about the Mongols. The character of Baba Opalenikha in the novel "Batu" was based on a real resident of Uyuk.[7]

A central theme in "Genghis Khan" is the strained relationship between father and son, specifically the conflict between the great kagan and his eldest son Jochi, who governs in Khwarazm. Jochi is portrayed as a distorted reflection of Genghis Khan, sharing his father's intimidating presence and penetrating gaze. As a result, in Vasily Yan's work, Jochi was brutally killed by mercenaries on his father's orders, with his spine broken as per Mongolian tradition.[8] Vasily Yan fearlessly exposed the tyrant Genghis Khan with accusatory descriptions, depicting his appearance as unaesthetic and repulsive. He described how Khan clapped his hands on his belly when happy, with a smile resembling a semblance, and laughter akin to a wolfhound's howl. In anger, Khan ordered the feeding of a swift dog with a defeated boy's heart, and upon receiving the heart, he grunted like an old boar. Yan's straightforwardness in presenting these details emphasized the tyrant's cruelty and brutality.[9]

The composition of the trilogy was based on the chronicle of the Mongol campaign to the West. Consequently, the culmination and finale of the first book is the death of the "Shaker of the Universe". In the second part, his grandson Batu acts, with whom his grandfather had hopes of continuing the great cause. The plot of the trilogy is determined by the history and geography of the conquering campaigns of Genghis Khan and Batu. In the two parts of the trilogy, a harmonious unity of content and form was achieved, based on a deep knowledge of historical reality. For example, when Subutai and Jebe send a messenger to Mongolia after the Battle of the Kalka River, not knowing how to write, they compose a message in the form of a song and make the messenger sing it "nine times nine", because the number nine was a sacred number for the Mongols. Similarly, describing the first appearance of the young Batu-khan, Yan notes that three arrows with red feathers were sticking out of his quiver, given to him according to his rank.

Valentin Oskotsky believed that the most compelling aspect of this novel was the vivid depiction of Batu Khan's campaign "when the sun goes down", where Kiev defiantly stood against the Mongol forces, refusing to surrender like other cities that had fallen to the Tatars.[10] Vasily Yan aimed to contrast Batu Khan's aggressive tactics with Alexander Yaroslavich's cautious approach, as the latter strategically avoided direct conflict with the Horde despite his victories over the Swedes and Livonian knights. In the artistic world created by Vasily Yan, Genghis Khan and Batu Khan symbolized destruction, while Alexander Nevsky represented creation through his military prowess and governance. Although the author's attempt to juxtapose these contrasting figures may not have been completely successful, the novel effectively showcased their divergent qualities and ideologies.

Criticism

[edit]

Valentin Oskotsky, a literary critic, thought that Vasily Yan's trilogy of "main books" had some success but also had some hurdles when it came to getting published because of their controversial themes. It took five years to publish "Genghis Khan," even with support from Maxim Gorky, because it was risky to criticize tyranny in the 1930s. But once World War II started, things changed, and the novel became a groundbreaking work in Soviet literature that challenged the norms of the time.[11]

The early reviews of "Genghis Khan" from 1939-1940 weren't great. Critics like Georgy Schtorm thought Vasily Yan focused too much on traditional exoticism in the East, while Zoya Kedrina liked the colorful language but felt the plot lacked cohesion. Sergei Khmelnitsky was especially tough, saying Yan oversimplified historical events despite knowing his stuff.[12]

During the war years, the reissued novel received more positive reviews. Critics such as Leonid Volynsky and Valery Kirpotin praised Vasily Yan's novels for bringing the past to life and showing his passion for modernity and historical truth. Zoya Kedrina also complimented the writer's skill and accuracy in her review of the second novel in the trilogy. The overall message was in line with official Soviet evaluations, with A. Fadeev stating in 1942 that Yan's novels inspired patriotism and national pride in the Soviet people. Other critics agreed, emphasizing the relevancy and significance of Yan's works during that time.[13] Lev Razgon praised Yanchevetsky as a writer who carried on the compassionate traditions of Russian literature, instilling a sense of dignity and resilience in his readers.[14] Igor Kondakov observed a peak in interest for Yan's work during the tumultuous years of the 1980s-1990s, when individuals grappling with the aftermath of the empire sought solace and guidance in Yan's novels.[15]

Sergei Petrov, a Soviet literary scholar and critic, had some thoughts on the novel Genghis Khan. He mentioned how the author switches between a descriptive style and a more analytical one. On the other hand, Lydia Alexandrova liked how Vasily Yan used documentation in the novel, comparing it to Alexander Pushkin's The Captain's Daughter.[16] Yan's incorporation of historical quotes as chapter epigraphs gives the text a sense of authenticity and unity. The character of chronicler Hadji Rakhim is seen as a trustworthy narrator in the trilogy, adding credibility to the events in the story.

In 2016, Russian writer Dmitry Bykov casually talked about how Vasily Yan winning the Stalin Prize was a big deal, saying his novels about the Mongol horde were like a blueprint for Stalin's empire.[17] Bykov wasn't a fan of Yan's fancy writing style, saying it was old-fashioned and lacking in new ideas. But despite that, Yan's books were a hit in both the USSR days and modern Russia. Another literary scholar, Wolfgang Kazak, mentioned in his book that Yan's novels, which focused on fighting against a stronger enemy and fighting for liberation, were super relevant before the war, which is why he got the Stalin Prize.[18]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Favereau, Marie (2021). The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. doi:10.2307/j.ctv322v4qv. ISBN 978-0-6742-7865-3. JSTOR j.ctv322v4qv.
  2. ^ Ян, Василий (1979). Избранные произведения: В 2 т. / Вступ. статья Л. Разгона; Худож. И. Спасский (1 ed.). Москва: Художественная литература. p. 516. ISBN 5-277-01611-2.
  3. ^ Morrison, Alexander (2008). Russian Rule in Samarkand 1868-1910: A Comparison with British India. Oxford. p. 20. ISBN 978-0-19-954737-1.
  4. ^ Stalin and the Literary Intelligentsia, 1928-39. Springer. 27 July 2016. ISBN 978-1-349-21447-1.
  5. ^ Hill, Alexander (2016). The Red Army and the Second World War. UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 34–44. ISBN 978-1-107-02079-5.
  6. ^ Александрова, Л.П. (1987). Советский исторический роман (типология и поэтика). Киев: Вища школа. pp. 21–22.
  7. ^ Верещагина, Т. "Михаил Янчевецкий: я сделал в жизни главное — выполнил свой сыновний долг". Центр Азии. №18 (27 апреля—3 мая 2001). ООО Редакция газеты «Центр Азии».
  8. ^ Ян, В. (1989). Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н.Т. Федоренко; сост. М.В. Янчевецкого. Москва: Правда. p. 560.
  9. ^ Ян, В. (1989). Собрание сочинений : В 4 т. / Под ред. пред. Комиссии по литературному наследию В. Яна Н.Т. Федоренко; сост. М. В. Янчевецкого. Москва: Правда. pp. 35–37.
  10. ^ Оскоцкий, В.Д. (1980). Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа). Москва: Художественная литература. p. 384.
  11. ^ Оскотский, В.Д. (1980). Роман и история (Традиции и новаторство советского исторического романа). Художественная литература. p. 384.
  12. ^ Лобанова, Т.К. (1979). Исторические романы Василия Яна : АН Узб. ССР, Ин-т языка и литературы им. А. С. Пушкина. Москва: Наука. p. 191.
  13. ^ Янчевецкий, М. В. (1977). Писатель-историк В.Ян. Очерк творчества. Москва: Детская литература. p. 192.
  14. ^ Разгон, Лев (1994). Плен в своем отечестве. Москва: Книжный сад. ISBN 5856760255.
  15. ^ Кондаков, И.В. Ян Василий Григорьевич // Русские писатели 20 века: Биографический словарь / Гл. ред. и сост. П.А. Николаев. Москва: Большая Российская энциклопедия; Рандеву. p. 800.
  16. ^ Александрова, Л.П. (1987). Советский исторический роман (типология и поэтика). Киев: Вища школа. p. 160.
  17. ^ Быков, Д.Л. "Василий Ян. «Батый». Сто лет — сто лекций Дмитрия Быкова. Выпуск № 43". Tvrain.ru. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  18. ^ Козак, В. (1996). Ян. Лексикон русской литературы XX века = Lexikon der russischen Literatur ab 1917 / [пер. с нем.] Москва: РИК «Культура». p. 492. ISBN 5-8334-0019-8.

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=The_Mongol_Invasion_(trilogy)&oldid=1261518990"