After Igor of Kyiv was killed while collecting tribute in 945, the Drevlians expected a smooth resolution: their prince Mal would marry Igor’s widow, Olga, and take the throne. Olga appeared to agree. According to the Primary Chronicle, she greeted the first Drevlian envoys with courtesy, then had a trench dug, dumped them—still seated in their boat—into it, and buried them alive. She then sent a message: send “more distinguished” emissaries. When the next delegation arrived, she invited them to

Prince Igor (Opera modern)