Chelubey



Temir-Mirza (Темир-Мирза; died 8 September 1380; also spelled Temir-Murza), known in most Russian sources as Chelubey (Челубей), was a Tatar champion who fought in single combat against the Russian champion Alexander Peresvet at the opening of the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, according to the Tale of the Battle with Mamai, a 15th-century Russian literary work from the Kulikovo cycle.

Battle of Kulikovo
In the Tale of the Battle with Mamai, also known as the Tale of the Rout with Mamai, Chelubey is distinguished for his physical prowess and combat skills, where he was regarded as a veteran warrior.

According to the Tale, Chelubey and the Russian champion Alexander Peresvet fought on horseback at the opening of the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380 with spears, and both men killed each other simultaneously. Chelubey's body was knocked off his horse, while Peresvet's body did not fall from his saddle, which the Russians regarded as a good omen. In the text of Zadonshchina, Peresvet is instead described as being alive in the midst of battle: "Brave Peresvet galloped across the meadow on his magic white horse telling everyone: 'Brothers! Now is the time for all old men to get young and for all young men to gain honor and to test their backs!'"

In popular culture

 * The Swans of Nepryadva (1980)