The Motherland Calls
Colossal Soviet war memorial on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd.
The Motherland Calls (in Russian, *Rodina-mat' zovyot!*, meaning "Mother Homeland calls!") is a massive war memorial statue on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia. Built in a neoclassicist and socialist realist style, it was created mainly by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, with help from architect Yakov Belopolsky. Made of concrete, the statue honors those who died in the Battle of Stalingrad and is the centerpiece of a larger monument complex that includes several plazas and other sculptures. From the foot of the statue to the tip of the sword, it measures 85 meters (279 feet) tall, and with the pedestal included, the total height reaches about 87 meters (285 feet). This made it the tallest statue in the world when it was finished in 1967, and it was once the tallest in Europe if the pedestal was counted, though it has since been surpassed by statues like the Rodina-Mat in Kyiv. The monument, along with the rest of the complex, was officially opened on 15 October 1967, and has been a tentative candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status since 2014.
The statue shows a female figure representing Russia, often called "Mother Russia." She wears a shawl that blows in the wind, resembling wings, and raises a sword high in her right hand. Her left hand stretches outward, as if urging the Soviet people to fight. Originally, the plan was for a 30-meter (98-foot) granite statue of a Red Army soldier kneeling and offering a sword to a female figure. But in 1961, the design changed to a much larger concrete structure, nearly triple the height—a decision that drew criticism from Soviet military officials and writers. The design was inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace, an ancient Greek statue of the goddess Nike.
Construction started in 1963, led by structural engineer Nikolai Nikitin. The project faced many problems, including putting together the statue’s frame and its detailed features, made harder by its enormous size. Cold weather and unexpected geological issues caused delays, requiring extra foundation work and the relocation of water systems. The sword also caused trouble; it had to be redesigned because of wind resistance problems. Despite these hurdles, the memorial was finished in 1967, in time for the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution.
After it was dedicated, the statue went through several changes and repairs. In 1972, the sword was replaced
- height
- 85 metres (279 ft) from foot to sword tip; about 87 metres (285 ft) including pedestal
Lore & Background
The sculpture depicts a female personification of Russia, commonly called 'Mother Russia', wearing a windswept shawl resembling wings and holding a sword aloft in her right hand, with her left hand extended outward as she calls upon the Soviet people to battle. It was inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace, an ancient Greek sculpture of the goddess of victory, Nike. The statue was originally planned to be made of granite and to stand only 30 metres (98 ft) tall, with a design consisting of a Red Army soldier kneeling and offering a sword to a female figure; however, the design was changed in 1961 to be a large concrete structure at nearly triple the height, a decision criticised by Soviet military officials and writers.
Reader's Guide
The Motherland Calls stands as a monumental symbol of Soviet sacrifice and victory in the Battle of Stalingrad, a decisive conflict on the Eastern Front of World War II. Upon its completion in 1967, it was the tallest statue in the world, and it remains the tallest statue in Europe if including the pedestal. The statue has been listed as a tentative candidate for UNESCO's World Heritage Sites since 2014. Its construction faced numerous challenges, including cold weather, geological issues, and wind resistance problems with the sword, which was later replaced with a higher-grade steel alloy version in 1972. By the early 21st century, the statue was in disrepair and at risk of collapsing, prompting comprehensive restoration efforts that concluded by 2020, though post-renovation critiques and new structural issues have since arisen. The sculpture has been featured on various official Russian symbols, commemorative coins, stamps, and postcards.
Did You Know?
- The statue was the tallest in the world upon its completion in 1967.
- The design was inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
- Though once the tallest in Europe including its pedestal, it has since been surpassed by statues like the Rodina-Mat in Kyiv.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed The Motherland Calls?
The statue was primarily sculpted by Yevgeny Vuchetich, with architectural input from Yakov Belopolsky. It was completed in 1967 as the centerpiece of a larger memorial complex.
What is The Motherland Calls?
It is a colossal Soviet war memorial depicting a woman raising a sword, erected to honor those who perished in the Battle of Stalingrad. The Russian title, Rodina-mat' zovyot!, translates to 'Mother Homeland calls!'
How tall is The Motherland Calls?
Measured from the base of its pedestal to its highest point, the statue reaches 85 metres (279 ft). This makes it one of the tallest free-standing statues in the world.
Where is The Motherland Calls located?
The monument stands atop Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia. It anchors a broader memorial complex that includes several plazas and additional sculptural works.
What material is The Motherland Calls made from?
The statue is constructed primarily of concrete. Its artistic style blends neoclassicist and socialist realist traditions.
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