Vsevolod, the eldest Ol′govich in the third generation of the princes of Chernigov, had risen to the pinnacle of political power in the dynasty and in Rus′ by becoming senior prince of the dynasty and by ruling Kiev. It fell to his brother Igor′, the next in seniority, to maintain the supremacy of the Ol′govichi in Rus′. To do this he had to secure his authority as senior prince of the dynasty, consolidate the superiority of the Ol′govichi over his cousins the Davidovichi, and replace his brother as prince of Kiev. He could look forward to facing these challenges with the loyal support of his brother Svyatoslav.

The chroniclers describe Igor′'s ephemeral reign in Kiev in vivid detail. Their preoccupation with his career can be explained, as we shall see, by the significance of his failure and by the unprecedented nature of his death. In evaluating their accounts, we should keep in mind that the chroniclers had different views of Igor′ at different stages of his life. Before his death they speak of him as having a violent nature and accuse him and his brother Svyatoslav of being cunning, greedy, and dishonest. They also accuse the brothers of breaking promises, instigating plots, and forcing reconciliation. After Igor′'s death, as we shall see, the chroniclers looked upon him as a good man, a defender of his patrimony, and a saint.