‶Don’t Say Neigh, Say Yay”

The television series The Great offers a sophisticated, satirical interpretation of Catherine the Great's rise to power in the Russian Empire. Set in the eighteenth-century aristocracy, it successfully blends historical facts with intentional anachronisms, showcasing Catherine’s evolution from a naïve outsider to a powerful, enlightened Empress. The series is notable for its sharp wit and deliberate anachronisms, transcending mere entertainment to provide a reflective commentary on societal and ethical themes.

Crucially, The Great delves into the symbolic representation of animal treatment in the royal court, mirroring the era's hierarchical structures and ethical standards. It juxtaposes the archaic, often barbaric, practices against modern views on animal welfare, prompting audiences to reevaluate contemporary moral perspectives on human-animal relationships.

This article aims to explore the complex interplay between ethical considerations and the human-animal relationship as depicted in The Great. It will examine the historical backdrop of animal treatment in the realm of eighteenth-century Russian nobility, contrasting with contemporary perspectives on animal treatment, and explore how the series utilises these contrasting viewpoints to stimulate viewers' introspection on our current societal ethics.