Oleg Prince of Kiev Lacquer Brooch

Product Description

Oleg Prince of Kiev (Олег Князь Киевский). Oleg was the Grand Prince of Kiev and successor of his brother Rurik Prince of Novgorod. He loved his horse yet never rode him. A magician told Oleg that his horse would bring about his death. The prophecy frightened Oleg so much that he sent his horse away forever. Many years later, he began to wonder about him and was told that the horse had died. Pleased by this information, Oleg went to his grave to mock the magician’s prophecy. Placing his foot on top of the horses' skull, a venomous snake slithered out and bit Oleg on the foot. He later sickened and died thus fulfilling the ‘soothsayers’ prophecy. Egg tempera, papier-mache, lacquer. Attached with classic safety pin embedded into the back. Kholui, circa 1980. 2¼" x 1½". 1 available, as shown. Gift boxed.