Pan Michael · Chapter
XXIX explained
Azya Mellehovich reveals his grand ambition to Pan Bogush: to create a Tartar nation within the Commonwealth, loyal to the hetman, that would check the Cossacks and defend against Turkey.
What happens
Azya Mellehovich reveals his grand ambition to Pan Bogush: to create a Tartar nation within the Commonwealth, loyal to the hetman, that would check the Cossacks and defend against Turkey. He argues that his name as Tugai Bey's son can rally thousands of Tartars. Pan Bogush is astonished but sees the strategic potential. Later, at supper, Basia Volodyovski speaks warmly of Azya, and Pan Bogush discusses the plan further with the young Tartar, who expresses gratitude to his benefactors while hinting at bitterness.
Themes in this chapter
War and Violence
Azya's plan is rooted in military strategy, proposing to use Tatar forces to suppress Cossack uprisings and defend against Turkey.
Social Class and Nobility
Azya's ambition to become a hetman and grant nobility to Tartars reflects the importance of social status and the fluidity of noble identity in the Commonwealth.
Faith and Providence
Azya's conversion to Christianity is emphasized as a reason for his loyalty, and Pan Bogush sees him as potentially sent by Providence.
Characters to notice
- Azya Mellehovich
Reveals his ambitious plan to create a Tartar nation in the Ukraine, positioning himself as the future hetman of the Tartars.
- Pan Bogush
Listens to Azya's plan with astonishment, recognizing its potential and agreeing to present it to the hetman.
- Basia Volodyovski
Speaks warmly of Azya during supper, showing affection and support for him.
- Pan Novoveski
Mentioned as having previously punished Azya for intimacy with his daughter, but now acknowledges Azya's lineage.
- Pan Nyenashinyets
Mentioned as one who brought Azya from among Pagans, but now shows little interest in him.
Key passages
“the hetman would give me the will and the right, I would bring back, not merely the captains, but would put half the horde in the service of the hetman.”
If the hetman authorized me, I could recruit not just the leaders but half the Tatar horde to serve the Commonwealth.
Azya outlines his grand plan to Pan Bogush.
“There would be in the Ukraine a Tartar nation, as there is a Cossack.”
A Tartar nation would be established in the Ukraine, similar to the Cossack nation.
Azya envisions a new political entity under the Commonwealth.
“The coming hetman of the Tartars!”
The future leader of the Tartars!
Azya declares his self-proclaimed destiny to Pan Bogush.