The Genesis of the Russian National Idea in Russian Literature
The concept of “national idea” appeared in the 19<sup>th</sup> century and became the subject of many discussions. The national idea itself appeared much earlier: its origins can be found in folklore and early texts of ancient Russian literature. In fiction, the national idea is expressed in the following aspects: geopolitical, religious, philosophical, historical. In this article, we analyze the genesis of this concept in ancient Russian monuments - “The Sermon of Law and Grace”, “The Tale of Bygone Years”, “The Word about Igor's Campaign”, “The Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh”, “The Tale of the Destruction of Ryazan by Batu”. The national idea of the “Sermon of Law and Grace” is connected with the issues of the independence of Russia from Byzantium, the continuity of the Orthodox tradition in Russia, and belief in the supreme purpose of Russia and the Russian people. “The Tale of Bygone Years” reflects the national idea in connection with the construction and strengthening of the Russian state and the prophecy about the historical fate of the Fatherland. The center of the “Word about Igor's Campaign” and “The Story of the Destruction of Ryazan by Batu” is the idea of uniting the Russian lands and the forces of the people in the fight against external enemies. The content of the “Teachings of Vladimir Monomakh” is the instructions of the prince, which highlight the spiritual and moral principles that bind the Orthodox people. Monuments of Old Russian literature in many ways lay a solid foundation for the further development and comprehension of this issue in fiction, journalistic, philosophical literature.