Motives and Images of Medieval Mysticism in the Works of Nikolai Gumilyov

Pisarenko Alena Yur'evna Graduate student, Department of History of Journalism and Literature, Moscow University named after A.S. Griboyedov 111024, Russia, Moscow, higway Entuziastov, 21 kadiya@mail.ru Other publications by this author

Introduction. Nikolai Gumilev, without a doubt, stands among the greatest poets of Russia at the beginning of the XX century, bringing his unique spark to the palette of Russian literature. His poems and prose works are distinguished by their special depth and intensity, combining the heritage of classical Russian poetry with the new, avant-garde trends of that period.

However, behind the colorful lines of his poems, another side of Gumilev is often lost — his role as a researcher. Nikolai Gumilev immersed himself in the world of mystical traditions, comprehending their essence and exploring their roots. A special place in his research was occupied by the mysticism of the Middle Ages, with its rich symbolism, archetypes and religious rituals.

Gumilev's deep interest in medieval mysticism was not limited only to literary creativity. His letters, diaries and lectures, delivered at different times, testify to a constant desire to understand this complex and multifaceted world. Medieval mysticism was not just a source of inspiration for him; it became part of his worldview, philosophy and, one might say, spiritual path.^[8]

            Analysis of works illustrating mystical motives. There are many works in Gumilev's work in which mystical motives and images can be traced. Let's look at some of them.

1. "The Sorceress".^{[2, p. 198]} In the poem "The Sorceress" by Nikolai Gumilev, the main theme concerns the mystical power of a woman over man and nature, where Gumilev uses the image of a sorceress, symbolizing the mysterious and extraterrestrial aspects of femininity and power, while animal images can represent the primitive, instinctive sides of human nature, and the motive of transition from one world in another, he emphasizes the theme of transformation and rebirth. Known for his clear, imaginative style, which can include both realistic and mystical elements, Gumilev in "The Sorceress" uses metaphors and comparisons to create a complex and rich text, where the poem can be interpreted as a study of female power and magic, as well as an allegory on the theme of creativity and art, with the image of a sorceress, which can serve as a metaphor for a poet or artist who controls his world with words or a brush. "The Sorceress" is a complex and multifaceted poem exploring themes of power, magic, creativity and transformation, creating a world where reality is intertwined with mysticism and inviting readers to reflect on deep and complex issues of human nature and art.

2. "Mic. An African poem."^{[4, p. 7]} "Abyssinia".^{[6, p. 293]} Gumilev, fascinated by the idea of the unknown and exotic, creates an image of Africa as a place where reality and myth coexist. There is also a motive for traveling to another world, where the edges of the real and mystical are erased.

3. "Spell".^{[2, p. 118]} Gumilev refers to the ancient practices of magic and faith in the power of the word. A spell is not just a sequence of words; it is a prayer or mantra that has the power to change reality by affecting the world around it and the human consciousness. In the text of the poem, words become symbols — each of them carries a certain energy and meaning. These symbols are combined into a complete spell that is aimed at achieving a specific goal — whether it is healing, protection or attracting something.

4. In the context of studying the motives and images of medieval mysticism in the works of Nikolai Gumilev, the poem "The Golden Night has Flown By" acquires special significance ^{[4, p. 140]}, in which the poet explores this dark and mystical time of day, traditionally associated with mystery, dreams and the unknown, which finds parallels in medieval mystical traditions. Gumilev's night becomes a symbol of the border between the visible and the invisible, between the real world and the spirit world, reflecting a mystical understanding of the world where night time, often perceived as a period of rest and tranquility, is filled with live action here and awakens deep feelings, passions and desires in a person that remain hidden during the day. These aspects of the night also bring with them an encounter with their own fears, doubts and inner demons, reflecting the mystical tradition of self-discovery.

5. "Fire".^{[2, p. 82]} In the poem "Fire", the central theme is internal transformation and spiritual awakening, which are reflected in the image of fire. This metaphorical image serves as a multi-valued symbol associated with animal passion and destruction, as well as symbolizing the purification and transformation of the soul, which finds parallels in the mystical concepts of the Middle Ages, where fire often acted as a symbol of purification and spiritual rebirth. Through this image Gumilev explores not only the instinctive and unbridled power of human nature, but also the possibility of spiritual rebirth and true self-knowledge, which reflects the influence of the medieval mystical tradition on his work. Gumilev's dynamic and lively style, his ability to use vivid images and metaphors to convey the inner world of the character, can also be interpreted as a reflection of a mystical desire to understand the depths of the human soul and the universe, which is reflected in his poem form, reflecting the rhythmic and relentless nature of fire. Thus, the poem "Fire" can be understood as part of a broader context of motifs and images of medieval mysticism in Gumilev's work, representing a reflection on human nature and the possibility of spiritual awakening through a process symbolized by fire as an instrument of purification.

6. "The night stillness floats over the city."^{[5, p. 64]} The collision of light and darkness, good and evil is especially acutely felt in this poem. The city appears to the reader as a place where the dualism of the universe manifests itself most vividly.

7. "Equatorial forest"^{[6, p. 304]}. Here Gumilev turns to African legends, trying to understand the nature of man and the world around him. This work reflects his desire to synthesize different cultures and myths.

These works are only a small part of the richness and depth that can be found by analyzing the mystical motives in Gumilev's work. Through these images and motifs, the poet shares his vision of a world where the real and the mysterious are closely intertwined. ^[1]

The influence of mysticism on Gumilev's general style. Mysticism was not just a theme or a source of inspiration for Gumilev; it deeply influenced the very style of his work, forming the unique characteristics of his works.

1. The structure of the works. Mystical elements often determined the composition of Gumilev's poems and prose. Many of his works were built around a certain mystical idea or symbol, which developed and transformed in the course of the narrative. It created a feeling of immersion into the depths of mystery, exploring the unknown.

2. Rhythm and metrics. Mysticism introduced a special rhythm into Gumilev's work, which sometimes resembled spells or prayers. This gave his poems a special musicality and hypnotic power, creating a sense of presence in another, parallel world.

3. Language and images. Gumilev often used an archaic, high style, reminiscent of ancient texts or sacred writings. Such language made his poems at the same time distant and close to the reader, creating a bridge between the past and the present. In addition, he actively used mystical symbolism, enriching his works with many signs and images, each of which carried a deep meaning.^[12]

4. Timbre and mood. Mystical elements gave Gumilev's works a special mood — mysterious, meditative, sometimes disturbing. The reader, immersed in these texts, felt as if he was standing on the threshold of another world, where the edges of reality are erased.

5. Dialogue with traditions. The influence of mysticism was also manifested in Gumilev's dialogue with ancient literary and philosophical traditions. He actively interacted with myths, legends and religious texts, rethinking them and introducing them into the context of modernity.

Thus, mystical elements not only enriched Gumilev's work, but also formed his special style — deep, multifaceted and full of meanings. This style allowed Gumilev to create works that remain relevant today, attracting readers with their depth and mystery.

             Research, review and criticism. Mystical motives in Gumilev's work did not go unnoticed by his contemporaries and critics. Reactions to his works were varied, but of course, many noted the peculiarities of his style and inspiration associated with mysticism.

             Marina Tsvetaeva in her notes said that Gumilev creates a world where "light and darkness are intertwined in a single dance." She noted that this combination makes his work unique and mysterious.

             Some critics of the early 20th century questioned the exceptional originality of Gumilev's mystical images, believing that he relied too much on Western European sources. However, even these critics recognized that Gumilev was able to bring a new, fresh look at mystical themes to Russian poetry.^[8]

             Anna Akhmatova, noted that his poems "sound like ancient incantations." Her opinion was especially valuable, as she could see behind the poet's words his inner world and sources of inspiration.

             R. D. Timenchik conducted a detailed analysis of Gumilev's poetics, including his attitude to key literary trends, such as symbolism and acmeism. He investigated how Gumilev combined symbolist tendencies with an acmeistic desire for clarity and precision of expression. Timenchik also paid attention to Gumilev's views on the role of the poet in society, emphasizing his belief in the importance of an individual view and the autonomy of the artist. ^[14]

             V. L. Polushin drew attention to the philosophical and aesthetic foundations of Gumilev's work. His research included an analysis of Gumilev's interest in African culture, which was reflected in exotic motifs and images in his works. Polushin also examined the influence of Western European literary trends on Gumilev, revealing how he intertwined Western and Eastern cultural elements, creating a unique synthesis.^[9]

             Thus, mystical motifs and images in Gumilev's work caused an active resonance among contemporaries and critics. Despite different opinions and assessments, everyone agreed that mysticism played a key role in shaping Gumilev's unique style and perception as one of the greatest poets of his time.

Conclusion. Mysticism occupies a special place in the work of Nikolai Gumilev. Her influence is manifested not only in specific images and motifs, but also in the very structure, rhythm and language of his works. Contemporaries and critics, assessing the poet's work, could not ignore this feature. Some saw in mystical motives the source of Gumilev's uniqueness and depth, others criticized him for excessive fascination with occult themes.

Nevertheless, it is precisely thanks to this influence that Gumilev's work stands apart in Russian literature of the early XX century. Mystical motives allowed him to create works that touch upon the eternal questions of humanity about life, death, fate and eternity. This depth, combined with the poet's skill, makes his work relevant and interesting for readers of different generations.

In conclusion, we can say that mysticism in Gumilev's work is not just a fashion trend or an external element. This is a spiritual search deeply absorbed in his works, the desire to understand the world and man, the thirst for knowledge of the unknown. This feature makes him one of the brightest and most extraordinary representatives of Russian literature.