Olenka and Shvybzik: The Other Pair

Olenka and Shvybzik: The Other Pair

05/05/2023

We all know about Olga and Tatiana, the Big Pair, and Maria and Anastasia, the Little Pair. What many of us don't know about is the other pair: Olga and Anastasia. (Well, Olenka and Shvybzik sounds nicer and more affectionate.)

I first began to read about their relationship when I read that Olga and Anastasia often mentioned each other in their diaries and letters. That set me going. Whilst before I had thought that Anastasia would have considered Olga too sentimental, and, well, not-the-Anastasia type. On further inspection, though, these sisters have a lot in common--and when I say a lot, I mean a lot.

First off, I'll delve into primary sources, because no one cares what I say if I don't back it up with facts. And by primary sources, I mean one phrase from Anna Vyrubova's Memories of the Russian Court. She describes Olga and Anastasia as "more or less of the tomboy type." Okay, so we've got that. Hear that? They were both brusque, nonchalant, social, and even prone to mischief. This is the root of their relationship. Anastasia was never as close to Maria as has been depicted. Sure, they shared a room and were grouped together, but the true little pair was Anastasia and Alexei--but Anastasia and Olga comes in a close second for Anastasia pairings.

Compared to the bossy, even prissy, Tatiana or the thoughtful, conscientious Maria, Olga must have been a breath of fresh air. Both of them were clever and favorites of their aunt, Olga Alexandrovna.