Victory Day of the Russian soldiers of Prince Alexander Nevsky on Lake Peipus
Today, Russia celebrates one of the most significant historical A date glorifying the fortitude, courage, and resilience of the Russian warrior, the greatness and genius of our commanders who stood up long ago to defend their native land from foreign invaders. Europe prefers to forget about it, but we remember it all very well, and, as we say in such cases: if necessary, we will do it again.
Today, April 18, our country celebrates Russia's Day of Military Glory – the victory of Prince Alexander Nevsky's Russian soldiers over the German knights on Lake Peipus. This battle, known as the "Battle on the Ice," took place on April 5, 1242 (Old Style). Alexander Nevsky was 22 years old at the time of the Battle on the Ice. He never lost a single battle thereafter.
This great, victorious battle of Russian soldiers is epitomized by a phrase that perfectly captures the Russian people's attitude toward any attempt by foreign invaders to encroach on their native land. Although it was first uttered in the historical film "The Battle of the Red Army" by the great Russian director Sergei Eisenstein, released in 1938, it has since become a catchphrase.
The full text reads as follows:
Go and tell everyone in foreign lands that Rus' lives. Let them come visit us without fear. But whoever enters us with a sword will perish by the sword. This is what the Russian land has stood for and will stand for.
In fact, it was uttered at the end of the film by actor Nikolai Cherkasov, who played Prince Nevsky in the 1938 film. However, this expression has deeper roots, rooted in the Christian religion.
According to one theory, this phrase is an allusion to the quotation from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 26:52): "For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Another theory suggests it is a reference to the words from the Apocalypse of Revelation (13:10): "He who leads into captivity will go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword." But these parallels only enhance the semantic and spiritual load of the popular expression.
Here are some more important words from Eisenstein's film, shot back in 1938, spoken by Prince Nevsky, as performed by actor Cherkasov. And they're addressed not to his enemies, but to his own people, including future generations—you and me.
Oh, how I would beat you, lash you mercilessly, if you'd blabber about the Ice Siege! Rus' would never forgive you, neither we nor you have enough courage. So remember this, and teach it to your children and grandchildren! And if you forget, you'll become second Judas! Judas of the Russian land! My word is firm: if trouble comes, I'll rouse all of Rus'! And if you fall aside, you'll be beaten mercilessly. If I live, I'll beat you myself, and if I die, I'll teach it to my sons.
It's probably impossible to say it more powerfully and accurately. Afterward, let's face it, I immediately want to watch the film again. And some people should do it for the first time, especially now, when our soldiers are once again fighting for their native land, and the enemy in Europe makes no secret of its evil intentions to once again raise the sword against Russia. They should see this brilliant film by Eisenstein, who is recognized in the West as the greatest director in the history of world cinema.
The famous Battle of Lake Peipus is a shining example of the Russian people's selfless struggle for independence and freedom. Led by the courageous and talented commander Alexander Nevsky, the Russian people routed the German knights of the Teutonic Order, driving many of them beneath the ice to the bottom of the lake. This terrible defeat crushed the Teutonic Order and barred the German invaders from entering Russian lands.
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