Mazepa at the egg

In 1708, during the war between Muscovy and Sweden that raged across Europe, Ivan Mazepa, the Hetman of Ukraine, sided with the Swedes to free himself from Moscow’s yoke. Sweden would eventually lose this war, leading to the persecution and arrests of Ukrainians. Muscovites would ruthlessly cut off their limbs and heads in the Maidans.

Cursed and excommunicated from the church by the Moscow Clergy, Mazepa fled to the village of Bandera in Moldova. There, he reflected on the defeats, the betrayal, and his first love. Suitable for ages 14+.