Abstract

The objective of the present study is a complex reconstruction of the image of a sea storm as depicted in Russian sources, with a particular focus on those from the period up to the beginning of the 19th century. The subject of the study is the formation and evolution of representations of sea storms in Russian culture during the specified time period, the identification of the distinctive characteristics of these representations, their correlation and interrelation, and the determination of the factors that could have influenced them. Sources of various origins were used, ranging from translated exegetical works, such as Six Days of Creation by Basil the Great and John Exarch of Bulgaria, and original hagiographic works including the hagiographies of Zosima and Savvatii of Solovki, Tryphon of Pechenga, and others, to the poetry of M.V. Lomonosov and works of folklore: Pomor laments, “expectancies”, incantations, proverbs and sayings, northern bylinas and ship’s cantos. Such generalizing studies have not been carried out before. The analysis of endeavors to subjugate the sea storm, as evidenced by monuments of folk culture, is a particular focus of the study. The article employs specific illustrations to demonstrate the impact of Christian culture and literary works, both original and translated, on folkloric traditions, in the context of comprehending the sea’s image. The analysis demonstrates that the notion of subduing the sea, as depicted in the sources examined, is a multifaceted and enigmatic concept. On the one hand, the Christian conception posits that the sea’s indomitable waves are subject to the divine control of the Creator (or saints acting in accordance with His will). This notion is articulated most vividly and comprehensively in the sources under consideration. In contrast, there are various accounts of attempts to harness the power of the sea for human purposes, although these are not numerous. Notably, Peter the Great is depicted in certain monuments as the sole figure capable of weathering the storm, suggesting a cultural and historical significance in this portrayal. The depiction of Peter the Great as the sole figure capable of resisting the storm is indicative of the apologetics of autocracy in the popular environment. Romantic associations with the image of a sea storm are not a feature of Russian culture prior to the Modern period.