POLOTSK, 8 November (BelTA) – A replica of an ancient sword dating back to the times of Prince Vseslav the Sorcerer was gifted to Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko as part of the Vitebsk Oblast harvest festival Dazhynki 2024 in Polotsk on 8 November, BelTA has learned.
Chairman of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee Aleksandr Subbotin remarked that despite the complicated weather conditions the northern region makes a contribution to the country’s total harvest of cereals. On behalf of the local farmers he presented a loaf of bread made from this year’s grain to the head of state. “Vitebsk Oblast is home to remarkable people and they rightfully call you their fellow countryman. We are proud of that and very appreciate it,” Aleksandr Subbotin said.
He also stressed that Polotsk is a historical, cultural, and religious center of the country. Belarus’ first stone temple and the first monastery were built there. The city also used to be the capital of one of the strongest principalities – the Principality of Polotsk. This is why such an unusual gift was prepared for the president.
As a symbol of power and courage the sword was presented to the head of state on a wolf hide. And for a reason.
Vseslav Bryachislavich (aka Vseslav the Sorcerer) was the greatest ruler of the Polotsk dynasty. He ruled in 1044-1101. He was called the Sorcerer due to his political wisdom and the ability to prevail in the most complicated circumstances. The Principality of Polotsk reached the peak of its power under his guidance. Contemporaries believed that the prince could turn into a wolf, which Slavs viewed as a patron of warriors, in order to observe and defend his lands from enemies.
The sword has always been a symbol of not only power and military might but protection of citizens of the principality from enemies. This is why the sword is often used in emblems of various defense, security, and law enforcement agencies.
The hide of a wolf was used as part of warrior clothes. Vseslav the Sorcerer is always depicted with wolf hide in art and in literature. A wolf hide is part of his monument in Polotsk.
Only medieval technologies were used to create the replica sword: smith welding, hammer work, oil blackening, bronze encrustation, and damascene work using a wire. The sword is made of iron, bog oak, bronze, and leather. The sword is 101cm long in its scabbard and weighs 1.5kg.
As he presented the sword to the country’s president, Aleksandr Subbotin noted: “Who should use the continuity of generations, have this symbolic gift for the protection and reinforcement of our country if not you?”
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