- Shortly before his death in 972, Vladimir's father divided his propertyamong his three sons. The Grand Duchy of Kiev was given to Yaropolk; theland of the Drevlani (now Galicia) was given to Oleg. When neither wouldjourney to the ancient Russian capital of Novgorod, which threatenedrebellion, this land was given to the Vladimir, who was an illegitimateson.
Shortly after the father's death, war broke out between the two olderbrothers, Yaropolk and Oleg. Oleg was not only dethroned but also diedduring the struggle. On learning this, Vladimir was afraid that Yaropolkwould threaten him, as well, and so fled for help to the Varangians ofScandinavia.
A few years later, Vladimir returned with a large force of mercenariesand reclaimed Novgorod. Growing bolder, he waged war against Yaropolk,defeated him and was instrumental in having him assassinated. WithYaropolk out of the way, Vladimir made himself ruler of the entire Kievanrealm in the year 980.
In spite of his grandmother's conversion to Christianity, Vladimir wasraised a heathen and indulged in the excesses which were available to aRussian prince at that time. Historians record that he engaged in"unbridled dissipation," and they name him a "flagrant polygamist." Inaddition to his wife, Ragnilda, he had five other wives and many femaleslaves. By these women he had ten sons and two daughters.
As a reward for helping to defend against the advance of Bulgarian armiesand an uprising in Asia Minor, Vladimir asked for Emperor Basil II'ssister Anna in marriage. A threat to march on Constantinople was made ifhis proposal was refused. The Emperor replied that his sister was aChristian and could not marry a heathen, but if Vladimir were a Christianprince, he would sanction the marriage.
Vladimir agreed to be baptized and received the Sacrament in the year988. The Chrisianization of Russia is reckonded from that year. Uponarriving back at Kiev, Vladimir saw to the conversion of his subjects andordered the destruciton of the statues of the gods. The wooden statue ofthe god Perum (the god of thunder and lightning) was torn from itspedestal and was dragged through the mud to the River Knieper, where itwas thrown into the water. The destruction of the idols was so impressivethat the people readily followed the example of their monarch andaccepted Christianity.
In the Russian Orthodox and Ruthenian Greek Catholic calendars, St.Vladimir's feast is celebrated on July 15. Because he was canonizedbefore the Great Schism, he is also recognized by Rome as a saint of theUniversal Church.
Vladimir den Hellige av Novgorod.
Storfyrste. Levde 980. Død 15.07.1015.
Fyrste av Kiev i 970 og storfyrste av Novgorod 980 - 1015.
Vladimir kalles også "den Store". Han ble døpt i 989 med navnet Basilius.
Mogens Bugge anser i " Våre forfedre" at Anna av Bysants var mor tilJaroslav. Bent og Vidar Billing Hansen anser derimot i"Rosensverdslektens forfedre" at Rogneda av Polotsk var hans mor. [3]
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Anebasen — Ole Thyge Plannthin
ca. 956 - 1015 (59 år)
[1] 
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