DEPICTION OF RUS’ IN JULIAN URSYN NIEMCEWICZ`S “ŚPIEWY HISTORYCZNE”

Abstract

Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz frequently explores the relationship between Rus’ and Piast Poland in his work “Śpiewy historyczne”, specifically focusing on the conflicts between Bolesław I the Brave and Volodymyr I Sviatoslavych, as well as the subsequent tensions with Volodymyr’s son, Yaroslav the Wise. Niemcewicz draws extensively from medieval chronicles, which depict both historical and legendary events, some of which remain shrouded in mystery. In “Śpiewy historyczne”, there are vivid descriptions of medieval feuds, dynastic marriages, and territorial disputes, making Niemcewicz’s works essential for understanding the perceptions of his generation regarding the Piast dynasty and Polish-Rus’ relations.

Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz was a key figure of the Polish Enlightenment and a fervent supporter of reforms in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. He actively participated in the Kościuszko Uprising of 1794 and supported Tadeusz Kościuszko’s efforts to resist the foreign partitions of Poland and restore Polish sovereignty. After the collapse of the uprising, Niemcewicz fled Poland to avoid retribution from the occupying powers, initially seeking refuge in Prussia before moving to France. In France, he continued his work as a writer and became involved with Polish expatriates and the émigré community. Following the partition, Niemcewicz became deeply committed to preserving Polish national identity and cultural heritage, leading him to create one of his most memorable works, “Śpiewy historyczne”.

The figure of Bolesław I the Brave, as portrayed by Niemcewicz, is undoubtedly one of the most significant in Polish history. Although Niemcewicz aimed for historical accuracy in “Śpiewy historyczne”, his depiction of Bolesław is somewhat idealized. For example, he confidently asserts the expansion of Polish borders from the Baltic Sea to the Dnipro and the Elbe, an exaggeration. In Niemcewicz’s historical songs, the Szczerbiec sword is mentioned — a sword that, according to folklore, Bolesław acquired during a campaign against Kyiv. Despite these inaccuracies, each stanza reflects Niemcewicz’s mindset and political preferences. His works demonstrate both his literary talent and his commitment to political and social change.