(wr. 1863, prod. 1867). Historical tragedy about the fall of Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584).
Half-crazed with remorse for murdering his son and frightened by the rise to power of the ambitious Boris Godunov (1598-1605), Ivan prepares to abdicate. But the Boyar Council persuades him to stay his plans, since the country is plagued by invasions on all its borders. Military victories briefly renew Ivan's vigour and ruthless self-indulgence; then sudden reverses destroy his spirit and health. About to die, Ivan names his weakling son Fyodor as heir and Godunov as regent. During the period of uncertainty that precedes Ivan's death, a faction of Boyars, jealous of Boris's closeness to Ivan, has schemed to stir the populace against him. Boris discovers their plan and upon Ivan's death deftly turns the plot against the plotters. He emerges as the undisputed power behind the new child ruler, who clings to his authority.