The wolves were on the move. The hunt for land and wealth created an insatiable desire for action. The principalities of Russia had proved to be an easy feeding ground. Riazan, Moscow, Vladimir had all fallen. Kiev would be taken in 1240. The Golden Horde marched west and conquered at will. They were the enemy from the east.

Novgorod was a strategically important city. It was located along the major trade routes of the day. This also made it a wealthy city. Batu as leader of the Golden Horde would clearly like to add its wealth to his conquest.

The Swedes to the west also desired to conquer the city. Surrounded by enemies on both sides this was a precarious time for Novgorod.

Alexander was the prince of Novgorod and the fate of the city rested on his shoulders. His leadership qualities would be put to the test. The Golden Horde wanted tribute. The Swedes wanted to take the land and impose their values and their brand of Christianity on the region. Both enemies would take slaves and ruthlessly murder those who were unwanted.

Alexander decided on his course of action. He cut a deal with the Golden Horde. He would pay their tribute in exchange for keeping his home rule. The enemies from the east would continue their relentless hunt westward, but they would bypass Novgorod.

Meanwhile the Swedes led by Birger, who had the same confidence as Batu, moved towards Novgorod in the summer of 1240. His confidence was so high he sent a boastful challenge to Alexander. “Resist if you can. Know that I am already taking your land in captivity.”

This was Alexander’s moment to shine. He had already shown his shrewd statesmanship. Now it was time to show his military prowess. As the enemy approached he decided that the banks of the Neva River would be the location for the battle. On July 15 Alexander won a commanding victory. The Novgorod Chronicle notes:

“Alexander with the men of Novgorod and of Ladoga all came back in health to their own country, preserved by God and St. Sophia, and through the prayers of all the saints.“

From this point on Alexander became known as Alexander Nevsky due to his great victory over his enemy from the west. His reward was being voted out of power. His descent didn’t last long however as a new threat from the west arose and he was recalled to save Novgorod again.

The Livonian, or Teutonic, knights from Germany attacked in 1242. They succeeded in capturing Pskov and set their sights on Novgorod next. As with the Swedes, Alexander Nevsky was victorious in battle.

The Pular Lecture Series in the USSR noted the following:

“Among the prisoners were men from subject tribes whom the Germans had pressed into their service. These Alexander released and on their departure he said to them go and tell them all in foreign lands that Russia lives. Let them without fear come to us as guests. But he that comes against us with a sword shall perish by the sword. Such is the law of the land of Russia and such it will always be!”

Alexander Nevsky had faced enemies from the east and west and found a way to preserve Novgorod. For his efforts he was made a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church.