Episode 57: Queen Olga of Kiev: A Tale of Vengeance and Legacy

Smarticus Tells History

What if a queen's ultimate revenge could change the course of a nation's history? Discover the chilling yet riveting story of Queen Olga of Kiev, a formidable ruler whose cunning and ruthless tactics left an indelible mark on medieval Eastern Europe. Start your journey with us as we bring the flavors of history to life, beginning with a mouth-watering discussion about Ukrainian braised pork with mashed potatoes. From there, we unravel the mysterious origins of Queen Olga, delving into her possible Varangian, Slavic, or Northern Russian Viking roots. The episode chronicles her marriage to Prince Igor of Kiev and the shocking events following his assassination by the Drevlians, which propelled Olga to the forefront of Kievan Rus politics as regent for her young son, Sviatoslav.
Witness the sheer brilliance and brutality of Queen Olga's revenge strategies—from burying emissaries alive to setting an entire city ablaze using pigeons and sparrows. These audacious acts not only secured her power but also etched her name into the annals of history. Olga's journey didn't end there; her conversion to Christianity in Constantinople marked a pivotal moment in the Christianization of Kievan Rus, influencing her descendants and shaping the religious landscape for generations. Join us for an enthralling episode that captures the essence of a queen who mastered both the art of vengeance and the path to sainthood, leaving a legacy celebrated in Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic traditions. This is history brought to life with gripping stories and compelling insights you won't want to miss.
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Recipe:
https://tatyanaseverydayfood.com/ukrainian-braised-pork/#recipe
Sources:
https://theconversation.com/saint-olga-of-kyiv-is-ukraines-patron-saint-of-both-defiance-and-vengeance-178019

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_of_Kiev#:~:text=Olga%20then%20instructed%20her%20army,subsequently%20set%20the%20city%20ablaze.

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Chapters

1. Queen Olga of Kiev (00:00:00)

2. Queen Olga's Ruthless Revenge and Legacy (00:05:17)