Poltava

On July 8, 1709, the great battle of the Great Northern War took place, known as the Battle of Poltava. The defeat of the Swedish army by the Russian forces under the command of Peter the Great became a crucial stage in the further fate not only of Russia, but of all of Europe. The events of this momentous battle served as the foundation for Pushkin’s poem “Poltava.” But if you think the great poet limited himself only to describing battlefield scenes—you’re mistaken. In this heroic epic you’ll find a story not only and not so much about war as about love, betrayal, heroism, courage, and treachery.