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From these extracts we can form a conception of the
style and tone of the Russian epic. We see that they
are very different from those of the heroic poems of the
Edda. This written epic is unique in Russian literature.
It differs from the bîlinî of the Kief-circle by its purely
historical character, since none of its leading actors are
demi-gods, but all the heroes who figure there are men,
who conquer or suffer in a purely human manner. In
the next place, this epic is characteristic from its stamp
of aristocratic culture, since it was evidently written
with the purpose in view, like the old Norse laudatory
poems, of being recited before the body guard of a
prince. Therefore it does not extol the masses in the
person of a popular hero, but sings of the chiefs and
leaders of the army as the leading men. Still, however
patriotic the poem is, it is nevertheless inspired by the
patriotism of the princely power and of the highest
culture.
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