The Song of Igor's Campaign

The Song of Igor’s Campaign is an ancient Rus’ epic poem that recounts the 1185 military expedition of Prince Igor against the Polovtsy (Turkic nomads). It highlights the unpredictability of battles, the valor of warriors, and the tragic consequences of overconfidence and poor strategy. The poem emphasizes themes of heroism, the harshness of war, and the fleeting nature of victory. Written in Old East Slavic, it offers a vivid, poetic look at medieval Rus’ society and its conflicts, blending historical events with lyrical storytelling to reflect on war’s human costs and the importance of unity and wisdom.