Hadji Murád · Chapter
XXIII explained
Hadji Murád resolves to escape from the Russians into the mountains to rescue his family from Shamil.
What happens
Hadji Murád resolves to escape from the Russians into the mountains to rescue his family from Shamil. He prepares his henchmen, listens to a song of martyrdom, and recalls memories of his mother and son, Yusúf, before seeking permission to ride out.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sacrifice
Hadji Murád's decision to risk his life to rescue his wife, mother, and son from Shamil's cruelty.
Resilience and Defiance
Hadji Murád's determination to escape and fight despite overwhelming odds; the song of Hamzád's last stand.
Religious Faith and Fatalism
The song's refrain 'Lya-il-lyakha-il Allakh' and the acceptance of death in ghazavát (holy war).
Characters to notice
- Hadji Murád
Decides to flee to the mountains and rescue his family; prepares his weapons and gives gold to Eldár; reflects on his mother and son.
- Gamzálo
One of Hadji Murád's henchmen; roused to prepare rifles and ammunition for the escape.
- Eldár
Henchman who sews gold into the beshmét and is called to saddle horses for the ride.
- Khan Mahomá
Henchman sleeping at the start; later awakens to prepare weapons.
- Bata
The merry Bata; joins in the song's final refrain.
- Khanéfi
Henchman who sleeps outside with the horses; sings the song of Hamzád.
Key passages
“He had decided that he must fly to the mountains, and with the Avars still devoted to him must break into Vedenó, and either die or rescue his family.”
He resolved to escape to the mountains, rally loyal Avars, storm Vedenó, and save his family or die trying.
Hadji Murád's final decision to act.
“Fly on, ye winged ones, fly to our homes! Tell ye our mothers, tell ye our sisters, Tell the white maidens, that fighting we died For Ghazavát !”
Birds, carry word to our families that we died fighting for the holy war.
The song of Hamzád's martyrdom, inspiring Hadji Murád's henchmen.
“And it was this son whose eyes Shamil wished to put out!”
Shamil intended to blind Hadji Murád's son Yusúf.
The cruel threat that drives Hadji Murád's desperation.