Praying Daniel the Prisoner

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The Prayer of Daniel the Prisoner ( Russian Моление Даниила Заточника / Transliteration : Molenie Daniila Zatočnika) is a medieval Russian epic of the 13th century .

The text was written in the form of a letter to Yaroslav II Vsevolodovich , Prince of Suzdal . The author seems to be in great distress and asks the prince for help, presenting him as the advocate of all compatriots. Some Russian researchers therefore see the text as the first attempt at Old Russian social and political journalism. “The Prayer of Daniel the Prisoner” is a mixture of biblical quotations, chronicles and satirical elements, directed against the boyars and the clergy .

Russian historians suggest that “The Prayer of Daniel the Prisoner” could be based on the earlier text “The Word of Daniel the Prisoner” (Слово Даниила Заточника) from the 12th century . However, until today neither the chronological order nor the connection between the two texts nor the author could be clarified.