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Constructing the Pagan Other: Lithuanians in Christian Narratives (13th to Early 15th Century)
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How did medieval writers imagine the people of Europe’s “last pagan empire”? This monograph examines chronicles from the Teutonic Order, Rus’, and Poland to analyse how Lithuania—situated between the Catholic West and Orthodox East—was represented as both a hostile Other and a legitimate political actor. It investigates whether these portrayals followed a broader Christian pattern or varied across traditions, and how they evolved alongside Lithuanian state formation. By examining narrative discourse as ideologically shaped and adopting a comparative approach, this volume demonstrates how representations of pagan Lithuanians justified warfare while also accommodating changing perceptions of power and identity.
Yanina Ryier, Ph.D. (2018), Mogilev State A. Kuleshov University, is an assistant professor at Ignatianum University in Cracow. Her research focuses on state formation in medieval Lithuania, representations of power among early rulers, and portrayals of pagan Lithuanians in narrative discourse.
This book will be of particular relevance to scholars and students interested in medieval history, Lithuanian and East-Central European studies, chronicle discourse, and representations of otherness.