The Valaam Myth and the Fate of Leningrad's Disabled Veterans

• DOI: 10.1111/russ.10691
• Publication Date: 2013-03-15T14:35:29Z
• Authors: ROBERT DALE
• Keywords: Clearance

This article explores an enduring Soviet myth, the myth of Valaam. According to this widely believed story in 1946 or 1947 vagrant disabled veterans were forcibly cleared from streets cities and deported Valaam, isolated archipelago fifty islands, approximately 250 kilometres north Leningrad. These myths continue be repeated by both historians general public, but little evidence has been provided support them. provides original archival about myth's two main components: clearance their subsequent exile For first time it demonstrates existence invalid's home on which challenges “facts” myth. Attempts made clear vagrants Leningrad's streets, these did not occur 1947, neither successful nor systematic. Although a residential institution for elderly was established had its own unedifying history, dumping ground thousands urban areas. The Valaam is classic example “false myth”; with only flimsy basis reality, reveals wider truths circumstances generated, mentalities individuals society accepted it. Having reality behind uses as lens examining plight war those who transmitted argues that stories thrived because they plausible, offers number explanations why citizens, Leningraders particular, Imperial Russia long history forced “socially marginal elements” precedents exiling them islands. Most importantly, mythical accorded knowledge state's coercive practices experiences treatment veterans.