Monument to Vseslav Bryachyslavovich
Uspenskaya Street, Polotsk, Belarus
Description:
Monument to the Prince of Polotsk Vseslav Bryachyslavovich (Vseslav Veshchey), known under the nickname Sorcerer, is installed in Polotsk, on the Assumption Street. Vseslav reigned in Polotsk from 1044 for 57 years and on the Kiev throne was the only representative of the Polotsk dynasty Rurikovich.
The magician did a lot for Polotsk, for which a monument was erected in his honor. The basis of the composition was taken a plot about the capture of Prince Vseslav Novgorod, which is described in the “Word of Igor’s regiment”. The sculptors presented Vseslav the Knower as a werewolf and a sorcerer rejoicing in his principality. However, according to the chronicle, he was on the throne against his will.
Next to the figure of Vseslav, a crow in flight is depicted, and behind the prince is a wolf. This idea of the prince as a sorcerer and hero comes from East Slavic folklore.