Two duels of Lermontov: the poet was a fatalist and did not aim at opponents
Two duels of Lermontov: the poet was a fatalist and did not aim at opponents

Video: Two duels of Lermontov: the poet was a fatalist and did not aim at opponents

Video: Two duels of Lermontov: the poet was a fatalist and did not aim at opponents
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Lermontov in the mentics of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment, Pyotr Zabolotsky
Lermontov in the mentics of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment, Pyotr Zabolotsky

"I won't shoot this fool!" Mikhail Lermontov raised his hand with the pistol up, refusing to shoot, and the enraged Martynov pulled the trigger. A moment later, the great poet was mortally wounded by a bullet through the air. Lermontov passed away in the same way as his brilliant predecessor, Pushkin. However, few people remember that this fatal duel preceded by another. A year before his own death, Mikhail Yuryevich fought on swords with the Frenchman Ernest de Barant …

M. Yu. Lermontov in the uniform of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment. F. O. Budkin. Butter. 1834 year
M. Yu. Lermontov in the uniform of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment. F. O. Budkin. Butter. 1834 year

Despite the fact that duels in Russia in the 19th century were strictly prohibited, such duels of honor often happened among the nobles. And how else could you react to insults? Mikhail Lermontov was "thrown the glove" twice. For the first time, the quarrel took place in the salon of Madame Laval, where representatives of high society regularly gathered. It was here that Lermontov met with the son of the French ambassador, de Barant, and after several caustic remarks addressed to the foreigner, he heard from him that if Barant were in his country, he would know how to respond to the insult. The hint was clear, the Frenchman challenged the Russian poet to a duel. It was decided to fight with swords, and then shoot if necessary.

Portrait of M. Yu. Lermontov. Nikolay Ulyanov, 1930
Portrait of M. Yu. Lermontov. Nikolay Ulyanov, 1930

The duel took place on February 16, 1840, during the first duel Lermontov's sword broke. The second part of the duel should have been clearly not in favor of Barant, Mikhail Yurievich was an excellent shooter. This time he decided not to aim, the Frenchman simply missed. Despite the fact that there were no casualties in this duel, Lermontov paid for it for a long time with his arrest. The measure of restraint could have been more severe, but the investigators ruled that Lermontov acted like a real officer, defending the honor of the Fatherland.

M. Yu. Lermontov in a frock coat of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment. A. I. Klyunder. Watercolor. 1838 year
M. Yu. Lermontov in a frock coat of the Life Guards Hussar Regiment. A. I. Klyunder. Watercolor. 1838 year

7 months remained before the fatal duel with Martynov. At this time, Lermontov was exiled to the Caucasus, was supposed to participate in the battles, but, violating the routine, went to Pyatigorsk. It was here that the quarrels with the officer Nikolai Martynov began. The exact reason for them has not yet been unambiguously named. A feeling of hostility arose between young people because of the rivalry for the attention of the girl Emilia Verzilina. Lermontov courted her, but soon she began to give preference to Martynov. The young poet was sharp in his statements, sent epigrams, generously drew pornographic cartoons, in which he did not forget about his opponent. The last straw was a caustic joke thrown at Martynov about a long dagger, with which a highlander always appeared at receptions. It took place in the Verzilins' house, and it all ended with a challenge to a duel.

M. Yu. Lermontov in the coat of the Tenginsky infantry regiment. K. A. Gorbunova. 1841 year
M. Yu. Lermontov in the coat of the Tenginsky infantry regiment. K. A. Gorbunova. 1841 year

As mentioned above, Lermontov did not take what was happening seriously. He did not want to shoot, but with his words he angered Martynov even more and he, who approached the barrier, fired. Later, giving testimony, he admitted that resentment leaped in him. Lermontov died instantly. The great poet could no longer be saved.

NS. Martynov - the killer of Lermontov
NS. Martynov - the killer of Lermontov
M. Yu. Lermontov on his deathbed. R. K. Swede. Butter. 1841 year
M. Yu. Lermontov on his deathbed. R. K. Swede. Butter. 1841 year
Monument to Lermontov
Monument to Lermontov

Not much is known about the fate of Martynov. He spent several months in the guardhouse, and then served a penance in Kiev. He died at the age of 60. The fate of Dantes, another killer of the Russian poet, was completely different. A brilliant political career instead of a pang of conscience - this was its result.

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