Ivan the Terriblle, a painting by V. Vasnecov (1897)
Russian Tsar
Catherine: A Prize for the Terrible Tsar
Ivan IV, the Grand Duke of Moscow, better known as Ivan the Terrible, was a notorious sadist who, for years, obsessively pursued Catherine. Desperate to possess her, he not only proposed marriage but also attempted to kidnap her, sending a 5,000-strong army on this mission.
While Catherine was living in Sweden, Ivan IV once again threatened her life by making a treacherous deal with King Eric XIV of Sweden.
Excerpt from the novel "War Bride":
When news reached Vilnius Castle that Tsar Ivan the Terrible of Moscow sought one of us in marriage, my sister Ann was the first to despair. As the eldest, she knew it was her duty to wed first. For three days, the poor woman languished in bed, refusing food and drink, only rising to attend Sunday mass. I accompanied her, my heart heavy with pity. However, I would rather have been ill, possessed, or even dead.
Because the Tsar's envoys secretly attended mass and selected me as a bride for the Russian monster.
The man could not have written like that. This is a unique female voice in the world of historical novels, emphasizing the complexities of women's experiences within the historical narrative.
– Literary critic Prof. Dr. Petras Bražėnas
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The book is captivating from beginning to end. The author masterfully portrays the complex personality of Catherine Jagiellon, creating a character worthy of both novel and film.
– Historian and public figure Luka Lesauskaitė
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This historical novel, based on real events, is written in an engaging and accessible style. The story of Catherine Jagiellon is a fascinating and little-known tale that promises to captivate readers.
– Literary expert Vitalija Maksvytė
Book Description
War Bride: From Unloved Daughter to Queen
A challengin path to the Swedish throne: Poland – Lithuania – Finland – Sweden
“War Bride” is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of Polish-Lithuanian Princess Catherine Jagiellon and Swedish Prince Johan Vasa. The novel explores their journey from a wartime marriage to Catherine’s eventual coronation as Queen of Sweden. Princess Catherine managed to join the destiny of 4 countries and transform herself from an unnecessary daughter into a powerful woman, from unloved – to desirable, from prisoner – to Swedish queen.
Love and war are two important bloodlines, tracing the extraordinary destinies of individuals and nations. It delves into the intricate political games of royal families, revealing secrets of the Polish, Lithuanian, Swedish, Finnish, and Russian courts during the 16th century.
POLAND. Famous Royal Family – Dark Secrets
Born into the illustrious Jagiellon dynasty, which ruled over Poland and Lithuania, Princess Catherine, the youngest daughter, spent nearly three decades living a life akin to Cinderella's. Ignored and unwanted, she silently witnessed the scandalous lives of her famous relatives, her mother Queen Bona Sforza and brother King Sigismund Augustus. Despite being one of Europe’s most sought-after royal brides, a series of unfortunate circumstances kept Princess Catherine Jagiellon alone and unmarried. When she turned 30, she had lost all hope for personal happiness.
LITHUANIA. Wartime Wedding and the Russian Tsar's Obsession
Catherine's move to Vilnius marked the beginning of two significant battles in her life. The first was a political struggle for power and land. At that time, the ruthless Tsar Ivan the Terrible of Moscow invaded Livonia (modern-day Estonia and Latvia), igniting a bloody war on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The second battle was for Catherine's heart. Ironically, the man who posed the greatest threat to her and her homeland, Tsar Ivan the Terrible, proposed marriage. At the same time, the handsome, eleven-year-younger Johan Vasa, armed with a bag of war funds to defend the region from Moscow, also sought her hand. His path to a wartime wedding with Catherine in Vilnius was fraught with obstacles.
FINLAND. The Most Famous Royal Couple Ever
Catherine and Johan's perilous journey through war-torn Livonia would make a gripping Hollywood film. The princess faced near-death experiences and firsthand witnessed the wrath of the vengeful Tsar Ivan the Terrible. In Finland, Catherine was welcomed as a princess, and her royal dowry was showcased at the Abo (Turku) Castle. However, nine months of happiness were short-lived. The Swedish Vasa dynasty's "wars of thrones" erupted, and artillery shells soon began raining down on her bedroom.
SWEDEN. From Prisoner – to Queen of Sweden
Catherine and Johan endured war, imprisonment, betrayal, and the machinations of two mad rulers: the Swedish king and the Russian tsar. Despite these trials, they emerged victorious, becoming King and Queen of Sweden. Their reign is known as the Vasa Renaissance, uniting the powerful Jagiellon and Vasa dynasties. Catherine was the Queen of Sweden for fourteen years.
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About the author
 | I wrote not for myself, but for her: the Polish-Lithuanian Princess Catherine Jagiellon, whose deer-like eyes gaze from a 500-year-old painting. I wanted to tell her story from a time when men ruled the world, and women were forced to remain silent. A time when Moscow attacked countries near the Baltic Sea, igniting one of the most brutal and long lasting wars in Europe. Catherine’s life story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit – she never gave up. Even today this story inspires, reminding us that only the courageous, like Catherine, can triumph over life's challenges. |
Ilona Skujaitė is a journalist and communications specialist with a passion for Lithuanian history. She has authored articles on military, aviation, and business topics, co-hosted LRT and TV6 television shows, and written screenplays for documentaries about the Lithuanian army.
Photo by Mantas Golubev.