Rurik and Oleg, two vikings bent to Putin's modern political narratives

The strategic employment of historical narratives to underpin contemporary political objectives is a practice deeply rooted in the annals of global leadership, extending back through the corridors of time. Vladimir Putin's invocation of Rurik and Oleg (Vikingly well described in the notorious Michael Hirst's tv series Vikings) during his interview with Tucker Carlson exemplifies this enduring technique. By accentuating their seminal roles in the genesis of the Russian state, Putin engages in a selective interpretation of history designed to legitimize current policies, foster national unity, and assert Russia's pivotal role on the global stage.

The Historical Figures of Rurik and Oleg

Rurik: Acknowledged traditionally as the progenitor of the Rurik dynasty, Rurik's arrival in the Novgorod region, as recorded in the Primary Chronicle, marks the foundational moment of Russian statehood. This Varangian chieftain's leadership over the Slavic and Finnic tribes around 862 AD symbolizes the dawn of the Kievan Rus', a crucial juncture in the histories of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, illustrating the blend of Viking and Slavic influence at the roots of Eastern Slavic civilization. But indeed as stated by Putin himself Rurik was essentially a Viking ruling over slavic tribes.

Oleg: As Rurik's kin and successor, Oleg's historical narrative is one of expansion and consolidation. His strategic relocation of the Rus' capital to Kiev and victories against Byzantine forces not only extended the Kievan Rus' dominion but also underscored the Varangian (hence Viking so not very slavic) impact on shaping the early Slavic state's power dynamics and cultural identity.

Historical Context and Manipulation Techniques

Historical narrative manipulation is a tool that has been wielded by rulers across epochs to craft identity, justify rulership, and navigate the future path of their nations.

• Virgil and the Aeneid in Augustus's Rome: One of the earliest and most famous examples is the commissioning of the "Aeneid" by the Roman Emperor Augustus, who used Virgil's epic poem to link Rome's origins to the heroic narratives of the Trojan War. The "Aeneid" not only glorified Rome's past but also served to legitimize Augustus's rule by connecting it to divine will and the destined greatness of Rome. This blending of myth and history was a deliberate strategy to unify the Roman people under his leadership and to solidify the legitimacy of the Julian family line.Other Historical Examples
• The British Empire: British rulers often evoked the narrative of Britain as a civilizing force, using history to justify colonial expansion as a noble endeavor. This interpretation of history supported political and economic goals by framing the empire's expansion in terms of a moral mission.
• The Third Reich: Adolf Hitler used a distorted version of German history to justify his policies of expansion and the atrocities of the Holocaust. He invoked the Teutonic knights and the Holy Roman Empire to promote a narrative of racial purity and historical destiny, manipulating history to serve the Nazi ideology.
• The United States: American leaders are also not immune to bending history as they have frequently referenced the Founding Fathers and the Revolutionary War to support various political agendas, emphasizing principles like liberty and democracy. This selective invocation of history has been used to rally support for everything from domestic policy initiatives to military interventions abroad.

Putin's Historical Interpretation

Putin's referencing of Rurik and Oleg, and by extension their heritage, serves multiple contemporary objectives. It draws a direct lineage from the Varagian founders to the modern Russian state, underscoring a narrative of historical continuity, unity, and strength. This strategic recollection of history aligns with Putin's vision of Russia as the inheritor of the Kievan Rus' legacy, positioned to play a defining role in Eastern Europe and beyond. Unfortunately for him all his narrative goes back to a Viking dominating slavic tribes.

Accuracy and the Debate on Historical Interpretation

The historical existence and foundational roles of Rurik and Oleg in the Kievan Rus' are well-documented and widely acknowledged. However, the emphasis on their Norse (Varangian) origins and the extent of their influence on the Slavic territories is a subject of scholarly debate and may not well serve Putin's specific interpretation and his political narrative of legitimacy and costruction to Russian statehood.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of global leadership, the manipulation of historical narratives to serve political ends is a recurring motif. Putin's references to Rurik and Oleg in the context of their Norse origins and their pivotal roles in Russian history are indicative of this broader strategy. While rooted in historical fact, the emphasis on these figures is tailored to support a modern narrative of Russian unity, strength, and continuity, showcasing the intricate dance between history and contemporary politics.