Vadim Hrabruy The leader of the Novgorodians who rebelled against Prince Rurik in 864 Date of Birth: . Country: Dive

1. Vadim the Brave: Leader of the 864 Novgorod Uprising
2. The Rising against Rurik
3. Historical Interpretation
4. Archaeological Evidence and the Kiev Connection
5. Vadim's Name and Literary Influence

Vadim the Brave: Leader of the 864 Novgorod Uprising

Vadim, known as "the Brave," emerged as the leader of the Novgorod uprising against Prince Rurik in 864. While the earliest East Slavic chronicle, "The Tale of Bygone Years," does not mention Vadim's name, later летописи (chronicals) from the 16th century contain a legend about the unrest in Novgorod following the summoning of the Varangians in 862.

The Rising against Rurik

Amidst growing dissatisfaction among the Novgorodians over Rurik's autocratic rule and the actions of his tribesmen, Vadim rallied his fellow citizens. In the name of preserving their lost freedom, a revolt broke out under Vadim's leadership. The Nikonian Chronicle, compiled in the 16th century, describes the events: "That same year (864), the Novgorodians became indignant, saying, 'Let us be slaves and suffer all kinds of evil from Rurik and his family.'" In retaliation, Rurik brutally suppressed the uprising, slaying Vadim and many of his supporters.

Historical Interpretation

Historian V. N. Tatishchev's interpretation of the legend suggests that Vadim was a local Slovenian prince. Many Russian historians, however, dismiss the story as a fabrication. S. M. Solovyov theorized that the legend originated from an account of Novgorod's discontent with Varangians hired by Prince Yaroslav, their murder, and the subsequent princely revenge. Solovyov also proposed that "Vadim" could be a derivative of "vodim," meaning "guide" or "leader" in regional dialects.

Archaeological Evidence and the Kiev Connection

Archaeological evidence suggests that the uprising did not occur in Novgorod in 864, as the city did not yet exist. Instead, Rurik had begun his reign in Ladoga in 862. The "Tale of Bygone Years" and the Nikonian Chronicle mention that a group of Rus' left Rurik and settled in Kiev, where the legendary Rus' princes Askold and Dir established themselves.

Vadim's Name and Literary Influence

The legend of Vadim attracted the attention of numerous Russian writers. Empress Catherine II featured him in her drama "Historical Representation from the Life of Rurik" as a cousin of the wise Rurik. Yakov Knyazhnin wrote the tragedy "Vadim of Novgorod," which was condemned by the Senate for its "audacious expressions against autocratic power." Alexander Pushkin attempted to adapt the plot twice in his youth. Mikhail Lermontov also expressed interest in Vadim's story, composing the poem "The Last Son of Freedom," in which Rurik kills Vadim in a duel.

In Maria Semyonova's historical novels, Vadim is a central figure. In "The Sword of the Dead," the conflict between Vadim and Rurik drives the plot. In "Pelko and the Wolves," the protagonist, Pelko, serves in Vadim's army during his struggle against Rurik. Despite the contrasting portrayal of Vadim and Rurik, both characters regard Vadim with respect.