THE IMAGE OF THE OPRICHNIK (ON THE ISSUE OF POSSIBLE PARALLELS)

Abstract

This article is devoted to the image of the oprichnik, which is present in historical sources and finds a diverse interpretation in historical literature. The main characteristics of the oprichny image present in Russian historiography are considered. It is possible to trace the connection of changes in interpretation of the oprichnik image depending on the current political situation. The article reflects the connection of demonization of the appearance of oprichnik with the data of historical sources. Oprichniks often look like riders in black robes on crow horses, with a broom and a severed dog head at their saddles, causing death and suffering to everyone they meet. A brief description of the works of foreigners (I. Taube and E. Kruse, A. Schlichting, G. Staden) who left their impressions of oprichnina is given. It is suggested that there is a possible connection between how the image of the oprichnik is formed in these works (especially in A. Schlichting writing) with the German-Scandinavian myth of the “Wild Hunt”.