THEOTOKOS AS THE ARCHETYPE OF THE RUSSIAN SOUL

Abstract

On the basis of research works of Russian literature and art, the paper analyzes Theotokos as an archetype of the Russian soul. The dominance of female (maternal), Messianic, sacrificial beginning in the soul is shown. The image of the virgin is presented as layered and denoting different states of the soul: from the highest spiritual to neutral and seciular. Through the image of Theotokos the search for the self-identity of the Russian soul is performed.

Keywords

• soul
• medieval people
• fine art
• natural
• physical
• spiritual
• mental
• image of a human
• church
• icon
• pristine
• alienated