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The greatest Russian heroes (16 photos). Mikula Selyaninovich. Bogatyr Plowman

Kyiv-grad stood on three mountains and towered over all Russian cities. One word, capital.

The Kyiv prince Vladimir was great and wise. Through his efforts, the capital city learned the light of Orthodoxy and found new life. Christian temples grew on the site of pagan sanctuaries. The city walls were strengthened, dilapidated dwellings were demolished and new buildings were built: stone palaces for the nobility, wooden huts for the common people.

The Grand Duke did not forget about Detinets - that was the name of the Kiev Kremlin. Behind the high fortress walls rose white-stone mansions - the creations of the best Russian and foreign architects. The Grand Duke's Palace embodied wealth and luxury; even guests from distant Byzantium admired it. But the Romans in those days were famous for their unsurpassed art of urban planning.

To reliably protect the capital from enemies - Prince Vladimir took care of this tirelessly. A brilliant commander and sovereign, with victories in battles and kind words he established peace with many countries. And only on the southern borders was not everything calm. The Pechenegs, both eastern and western, were rampaging there. To contain their hordes, heroic outposts stood in the Wild Field. The Grand Duke thought a lot about those who were the first to take enemy blows. He believed in his soldiers, and they did not let him down.

The prince called the best to the court, gave noisy feasts in their honor, and organized heroic lists. He did everything to inspire his warriors to new exploits. The prince gave his favorites tracts of land with stinkers. He brought someone closer to the court, elevated him to the rank of governor and boyar.

It was possible to gain military glory in battles with the Pechenegs. But winning heroic competitions is not the worst way to recognition. That is why the heroes, envoys of the Russian princes, were now rushing to Kyiv.

Alyosha was still admiring the royally majestic city from afar. I was delighted and believed in my star even more.

He drove up to the city gates together with Ekim. The stern guards did not close their spears in front of him. And their boss kindly explained where to go next. It was necessary to get to Detinets along Starokievskaya Mountain up Borichev Descent. The heroes were already waiting there.

Along the way, Alyosha carefully peered into the faces of passers-by. What if he meets his Nastya! But, alas...

At the gates of Detinets he saw the sovereign's clerk. He fenced himself off from the whole world with three tables and was now talking to some hero.

This warrior was dressed in shining armor of gold, silver and steel. A stern face, as if carved from stone, majestic posture, strong-willed gaze.

The clerk released the hero and took care of Alyosha.

- Alesha Popovich!

The unknown hero approached his horse. But as soon as I heard this name, I immediately stopped, turned around and looked strangely at its owner.

- Where? – the clerk continued to ask.

- From Rostov, from Prince Yaroslav!

“I must see the credentials.”

In response, Alyosha just threw up his hands.

- No diploma. It was there and disappeared...

He could tell about the robbers. But this will not return the diploma. And appealing for pity, no, that’s not for him.

– But you won’t take my word for it? – he asked hopefully.

- I’ll believe it. What's the point? No diploma. And without her, you, hero, cannot enter competitions.

The clerk yawned boredly and lazily looked somewhere past Alyosha. There is no doubt that nothing can break through this bureaucrat. At least wipe your knees bloody... Well, yes, falling to your knees - no one will ever expect that from Alyosha.

- I want to see the Grand Duke! – he announced, proudly straightening his shoulders.

“Tomorrow,” the clerk yawned again. - Come tomorrow…

Tomorrow is tomorrow, Alyosha decided. And he went to his horse.

He didn't go far. He was stopped by an unfamiliar hero. Riding on a beautiful white horse, he seemed the very embodiment of courage and nobility.

- Hey, handsome! – he called out to Alyosha with disdain. - Do not rush. Have you arrived already!

– I don’t like your tone! – the young hero frowned menacingly.

– But somehow I don’t care whether you like it or not!

- Get out of sight!

- Don't be insolent! There is no slave in front of you!

Alyosha just received a turn from the gate. This alone was annoying. And then there’s this impudent guy. He added fuel to the fire. Alyosha flared up:

– I’m not a slave either!

- Not a slave. But a very low person... You are a scoundrel and a scoundrel!

- How dare you!

- Maybe you can remember the poor girl?

- Which girl?

“Maybe I should remember her mother?”

- Really, you've lost your mind! Or do you have nothing in your head at all... Do you want me to cut your head? I'm sure it's empty!

- Yeah, do you want to fight?

- I'm burning with impatience!

-Where will we meet?

The stranger suddenly calmed down. His gaze froze.

- Yes, anywhere, as long as it’s quick.

- If so, I will wait for you at the seventh mile of the northern road. We'll meet in two hours...

The hero looked at Alyosha with a devastating look, chuckled contemptuously and drove his horse away. The young warrior looked at him regretfully. A person is not himself, he should not be punished - he needs to be treated...

Alyosha arrived at the appointed time without delay. The strange stranger was already there. He had a servant-squire with him.

– Repent before it’s too late! – the hero demanded from Alyosha. - Today you will die.

- Enough! I'm tired of listening to some nonsense... How are we going to fight?

- We will fight on horseback, on spears.

- Agree.

– Then go ahead!.. By the way, you should know who will send you to your forefathers. My name is Dobrynya Nikitich!

- And I’m Alyosha Popovich!.. It’s a pity, I wouldn’t want to send you to crow food. But what can you do, it’s all your own fault!

Alyosha took the shield and spear from Ekim, bridled his horse and rushed away from Dobrynya.

The heroes drove off in different directions, stopped, and turned around to face mortal danger. Alyosha pulled his visor over his eyes, firmly secured himself in the saddle, covered himself with a shield and thrust forward a long armor-piercing spear.

The place for the duel was chosen about a hundred paces from the road. Before letting the Sorcerer go at full speed, Alyosha glanced at her and noticed the mighty hero on a gigantic black horse. A bound man in a white bloodstained shirt was thrown over his saddle. A little further away, a servant-squire trotted along on a gelding.

Alyosha moved closer. He aimed his spear at Dobrynya’s head. The same one aimed lower, under the shield.

The enemy knew how to hit with a spear, and his strength was extraordinary. But Alyosha is no stranger. And they don’t lack each other’s dexterity. The shields took blows of terrible force, the spears broke like dry reeds. But the heroes themselves stayed in the saddles of their rearing horses.

The fight continued. Alyosha urged his horse to turn around and drew his sword as he went. Out of the corner of my eye I caught the road, and in the distance I noticed a detachment of horsemen - about two dozen, no less. The hero himself noticed this.

He was clearly not happy about the chase. And he quickly began to turn his horse towards her. At the same time, he threw his prisoner onto the side of the road. His frown flashed lightning, and his hand reached for his sword. There was not a shadow of timidity on his stern, bearded face.

Alyosha stopped his horse, pulled the reins and galloped to the hero to help. He himself didn’t know then why he was doing it. It is clear that what happens cannot be avoided.

– Do you need help? - he asked.

“I don’t know,” the bearded man shrugged. - But if you are an honest person, I won’t refuse!

It looked like he was eager to fight.

-Who is chasing you?

-What is your name, brave hero?

- Call me like your mother calls you. Ilya. I am Ilya Muromets!

- Alyosha. Alesha Popovich!

At this time, the sound of hooves was heard. Looking around, the heroes saw Dobrynya Nikitich approaching them close.

- Why did you run away from me? – he asked, looking contemptuously at his opponent. - Scared? And are you thinking of hiding behind the broad back of your friend?

“I didn’t guess,” Alyosha remained imperturbably calm. - I am not afraid of you. And I’m here to fight the robbers.

- With robbers?! – Dobrynya Nikitich grinned. - Do you want to fight with the robbers? You are a robber yourself!

- I?! Robber?! – Alyosha’s indignation knew no bounds. - No, you really are not yourself!

- I see that you are in a quarrel. – Ilya looked reproachfully at Dobrynya. “Which of you is right and who is wrong is not for me to judge.” But it looks like you got carried away, hero. Alyosha cannot be a robber. Can not…

The Murom hero spoke calmly, in a fatherly, judicious manner. The voice sounded confident and firm. He looks good-natured, but not at all harmless. The look is honest, open, and at the same time the eyes are narrowed in a mischievous smile.

“I don’t think so,” Dobrynya shook his head.

“You can think about whatever you want,” Ilya waved him off. - But don’t bother us.

The horsemen were already very close. It was already possible to see them clearly. Faces twisted with anger, a bloodthirsty gleam in the eyes. Alyosha had no doubt that these were robbers.

“You should have waited a little,” he said to Dobrynya. – Now let’s deal with this evil spirits and finish our conversation. Leave!

The hero shook his head.

- I will fight with you! – he decided.

Ilya just shrugged. There was no time to either persuade or dissuade. His squire handed him a huge club.

The robbers surged in a heavy storm wave. But they could not crush the heroes.

There were only three of them. But each of them cost a whole ten.

Like a cunning leopard, Alyosha Popovich fought with the robbers. Like a proud lion, Dobrynya Nikitich met his enemies. Like an angry bear, Ilya Muromets fought with the villains. He rushed at them with a terrifying roar - he knew neither pity nor mercy. The monstrous club spun with amazing ease in his powerful hands - sowing panic and death...

Miraculously, the surviving robbers dropped their weapons in horror and started running away. No one began to pursue them. Ilya Muromets lifted the bound chieftain from the ground and tied him to his saddle.

- Well, shall we continue our duel? - Alyosha asked Dobrynya.

“We will always have time,” the Ryazan hero said thoughtfully. - You better tell me, could I have made a mistake?..

- Suddenly you are not who I take you for.

– Who do you take me for?

– I heard about Alyosha Popovich. The last bastard and scoundrel...

- Looks like you're not like that. But your name is Alyosha Popovich... I’ll tell you a story. Maybe you will understand everything.

“Tell me,” Ilya nodded. - And we’ll listen...

Dobrynya was traveling to Kyiv from Ryazan. Once I stopped for the night in an open field. He woke up early in the morning, in the darkness, and immediately saw the glow of the fire. He saddled his horse and rushed towards the direction from which the smell of smoke was coming. Soon a terrible picture appeared before him. A girl of about ten years old was lying lifeless on the grass. Above her, a beluga woman, her mother, roared.

The girl was dead. She was killed by the princely men-at-arms, who dropped in to see them on the way to Kyiv. The most important of them called himself Alyosha Popovich. Dobrynya was unable to return her daughter to the woman. But he vowed to find and punish the scoundrel.

Alyosha did not remain in debt. And he told his story. About how he became a victim of robbers, about how he escaped from them. And he also told about Tugarin.

- Look what this adversary is up to! – Ilya flared up indignantly. - Rob the prince, surrender Kyiv to the Pechenegs. What in the world is going on!..

“I understand that Tugarin has his own squad,” said Dobrynya. - And this squad should be in the city...

“That’s it,” Alyosha nodded. “And some of his scoundrels used my credentials.”

“And he called himself by your name,” Ilya frowned. - What a scoundrel!.. That's what, my friends, we need to roll up our sleeves and uproot this seed of a bitch...

“We’ll all get down to business together,” Dobrynya decisively agreed. - And we’ll deal with Tugarin, and we’ll punish those nonhumans who killed the girl...

“We’ll avenge the girl,” Alyosha echoed. - And we’ll return my credentials...

“We’ll return it,” confirmed Ilya. “We’ll return your diploma, and you’ll take part in the competition... But first, you need to make peace, my friends.”

The Murom hero did not calm down until Alyosha and Dobrynya embraced brotherly. Only after this were the friends able to continue their journey.

“Ilya, you’re in no hurry to tell us about your captive,” Dobrynya noted. – Is this really the same Nightingale the Robber?

- He is.

- I heard about this miracle Yudo. They say that his whistle makes centuries-old trees bend...

“It happened,” Ilya nodded.

And it was like this.

Ilya felt cramped in the Murom land. The soul was yearning for Kyiv-grad. And then he learned about heroic fun. And he got ready to hit the road. He couldn't make it in time, so he had to take a shortcut. And this path stretched through places where all kinds of evil spirits swarmed.

Whatever happens, cannot be avoided, Ilya decided. He set out on a journey and one day encountered robbers. They were led by a short, smug, fat man with a dirty expression on his wide, puffy face.

“Come on, step aside! – the hero casually called out to them. “Otherwise I’ll crush you!”

“You won’t crush me! – the chief grinned unkindly. “And you won’t leave alive.”

Only Ilya did not hear him.

From early childhood, the future hero was weak on his legs and sat on the stove. On top of that, he was also blind and deaf. But God took pity on him and performed a miracle. He put him on his feet and gave him sight. But my hearing didn’t return.

Ilya was hard of hearing, so he could not hear the robber. But from the predatory expression in the eyes of this covetous man, from his vile smile, the hero realized that this meeting did not bode well. Without thinking twice, he drew his sword. But then something terrible and unexpected happened.

The fat man put two fingers to his mouth, strained and whistled. The earth shook. Ilya himself shuddered, but not from fear. An outlandish force struck my chest with devilish might. But the hero withstood the blow.

And his strong horse, matching his owner, remained in place. But he did not have enough strength to carry his rider forward. Then Ilya decided to hit the robber with an arrow. Only she could not fly forward even a fathom.

But the hero did not give up. He dismounted and, moving his legs with force, went towards the enemy. No matter how hard the robber tried, his hurricane whistle could not stop Ilya. It seemed that the chieftain was about to burst from the strain.

The hero gathered all his strength into a fist and hit the whistler in the teeth. That was the end of it. The whistle stopped, and the robber fell to the ground unconscious.

And here the rest of the villains intervened.

“Well, hold on! Now you will get it from us!” - they shouted in unison.

Oh, miracle! Ilya heard them. It turns out that the strange whistle cleared his ears and drove deafness out of them. The hero grabbed his club and very soon put the unclean brethren to flight...

“But I took the Nightingale the Robber with me,” Ilya said in conclusion. - Let the Grand Duke marvel at this miracle... But first he needs to insert a tooth. Otherwise, without it, it’s not a whistle, but just a hiss...

Laughter was heard behind the heroes. Alyosha looked around and saw Dobrynya Nikitich’s servant trying to explain something to Ilya’s companion. Ekim made hilarious faces and laughed funny.

Ekim caught the owner’s gaze and instantly calmed down. And he was already ready, as it might seem, to kiss Ilya’s squire. Dobrynya’s servant also instantly calmed down and hid his tongue behind his teeth.

Ilya shook his head in displeasure.

“I’m fine,” he said dejectedly. – I can hear everything now. But my Tetera was not lucky. He used to be my ears, but now he can’t hear anything himself. The nightingale stunned him... You should tell your boobies not to make fun of him. My aunt is calm, but if you make him angry, you will have to look for new helpers...

Alyosha nodded and showed Ekim his fist. Dobrynya did exactly the same.

Soon the friends were at the city gates. The silent guards appreciated their menacing appearance and let them into the city without a word.

Bogatyrs are the epic defenders of the Russian Land, “superheroes” of the Russian people for many centuries. Let's remember the main ones.

Ilya Muromets is canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church; he is the main Russian hero. Ilya Muromets is the main character not only of Russian epics, but also, for example, of German epic poems of the 13th century. In them he is also called Ilya, he is also a hero, yearning for his homeland. Ilya Muromets also appears in the Scandinavian sagas, in them he is, no less, the blood brother of Prince Vladimir.

2. Bova Korolevich. Lubok hero

Bova Korolevich was the most popular hero among the people for a long time. Popular folk tales about the “precious hero” were published in hundreds of editions from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Pushkin wrote “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”, partially borrowing the plot and names of the heroes of the fairy tales about the Boy Korolevich, which his nanny read to him. Moreover, he even made sketches of the poem “Bova,” but death would prevent him from finishing the work.

The prototype of this knight was the French knight Bovo de Anton from the famous chronicle poem Reali di Francia, written in the 14th century. In this respect, Bova is a completely unique hero - a visiting hero.

3. Alyosha Popovich. Junior

“The youngest of the younger” heroes, and therefore his set of qualities is not so “Superman”. He is not even a stranger to vice: cunning, selfishness, greed. That is, on the one hand, he is distinguished by courage, but on the other hand, he is proud, arrogant, abusive, perky and rude.

4. Svyatogor. Mega-hero

Mega-hero. But a hero of the “old world.” The giant, the elder hero the size of a mountain, whom even the earth cannot support, lies on the mountain in inaction. The epics tell of his meeting with earthly cravings and death in a magical grave.

Many features of the biblical hero Samson were transferred to Svyatogor. It is difficult to determine exactly its ancient origins. In the legends of the people, the veteran hero transfers his strength to Ilya Muromets, the hero of the Christian century.

5. Dobrynya Nikitich. A well-connected hero

Dobrynya Nikitich is often correlated with the chronicle Dobrynya, the uncle of Prince Vladimir (according to another version, nephew). His name personifies the essence of the “heroic kindness.” Dobrynya has the nickname “young”, with enormous physical strength “he wouldn’t hurt a fly”, he is the protector of “widows and orphans, unfortunate wives.” Dobrynya is also “an artist at heart: a master of singing and playing the harp.”

6. Duke Stepanovich. Bogatyr Major

Duke Stepanovich comes to Kyiv from conventional India, behind which, according to folklorists, in this case the Galician-Volyn land is hidden, and organizes a marathon of boasting in Kyiv, undergoes tests from the prince, and continues to boast. As a result, Vladimir finds out that Duke is indeed very rich and offers him citizenship. But Duke refuses, because “if you sell Kyiv and Chernigov and buy paper for an inventory of Dyukov’s wealth, there won’t be enough paper.”

7. Mikula Selyaninovich. Bogatyr Plowman

Mikula Selyaninovich is a bogatyr agrarian. Found in two epics: about Svyatogor and about Volga Svyatoslavich. Mikula is the first representative of agricultural life, a powerful peasant plowman.
He is strong and resilient, but homely. He puts all his strength into farming and family.

8. Volga Svyatoslavovich. Bogatyr magician

Supporters of the “historical school” in the study of epics believe that the prototype of the epic Volga was Prince Vseslav of Polotsk. Volga was also correlated with the Prophetic Oleg, and his campaign in India with Oleg’s campaign against Constantinople. Volga is a difficult hero; he has the ability to become a werewolf and can understand the language of animals and birds.

9. Sukhman Odikhmantievich. Insulted hero

According to Vsevolod Miller, the prototype of the hero was the Pskov prince Dovmont, who ruled from 1266 to 1299.

In the epic of the Kyiv cycle, Sukhman goes to get a white swan for Prince Vladimir, but on the way he comes into conflict with the Tatar horde, who are building Kalinov bridges on the Nepra River. Sukhman defeats the Tatars, but in the battle he receives wounds, which he covers with leaves. Returning to Kyiv without the white swan, he tells the prince about the battle, but the prince does not believe him and imprisons Sukhman in prison until clarification. Dobrynya goes to Nepra and finds out that Sukhman did not lie. But it's' too late. Sukhman feels disgraced, peels off the leaves and bleeds. The Sukhman River begins from his blood.

10. Danube Ivanovich. Tragic hero

According to epics about the Danube, it was from the blood of the hero that the river of the same name began. The Danube is a tragic hero. He loses to his wife Nastasya in an archery competition, accidentally hits her while trying to get even, finds out that Nastasya was pregnant and stumbles upon a saber.

11. Mikhailo Potyk. Faithful husband

Folklorists disagree on who should be associated with Mikhailo Potyk (or Potok). The roots of his image are found in the Bulgarian heroic epic, and in Western European fairy tales, and even in the Mongolian epic “Geser”.
According to one of the epics, Potok and his wife Avdotya Lebed Belaya make a vow that whichever of them dies first, the second one will be buried alive next to him in the grave. When Avdotya dies, Potok is buried nearby in full armor and on horseback, fights the dragon and revives his wife with his blood. When he himself dies, Avdotya is buried with him.

12. Khoten Bludovich. Bogatyr-groom

The hero Khoten Bludovich, for the sake of his wedding with the enviable bride Chaina Chasovaya, first beats her nine brothers, then an entire army hired by his future mother-in-law. As a result, the hero receives a rich dowry and appears in the epic as the hero “who married well.”

13. Vasily Buslaev. Zealous hero

The most daring hero of the Novgorod epic cycle. His unbridled temper leads to conflict with the Novgorodians and he desperately rages, bets that he will beat all the Novgorod men on the Volkhov Bridge and almost fulfills his promise - until his mother stops him.

In another epic, he is already mature and goes to Jerusalem to atone for his sins. But Buslaev is incorrigible - he again takes up his old ways and dies absurdly, proving his youth.

14. Anika warrior. Bogatyr in words

Anika warrior is still called today a person who likes to show off his strength far from danger. Unusual for a Russian epic hero, the name of the hero was most likely taken from the Byzantine legend about the hero Digenis, who is mentioned there with a constant epithet anikitos.

Anika the warrior in the verse boasts of strength and offends the weak, death itself shames him for this, Anika challenges her and dies.

15. Nikita Kozhemyaka. Wyrmfighter

Nikita Kozhemyaka in Russian fairy tales is one of the main snake-fighting characters. Before entering into battle with the Serpent, he tears 12 skins, thereby proving his legendary strength. Kozhemyaka not only defeats the Snake, but also harnesses him to a plow and plows the land from Kyiv to the Black Sea. The defensive ramparts near Kiev got their name (Zmievs) precisely because of the actions of Nikita Kozhemyaka.

The names of the first three most famous ancient knights are still on everyone’s lips – Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich and Dobrynya Nikitich. We remembered what exactly they did to deserve their status, and what other main Russian heroes were

Where did the heroes come from?

For the first time, Russian epics were recorded by famous scientists of the 19th century P. N. Rybnikov (a four-volume book with 200 epic texts) and A. F. Hilferding (318 epics). And before this, legends were passed on orally - from grandfathers to grandchildren, and, depending on the grandfather, with a variety of additions and details. “Modern science about heroes” divides them into two groups: “senior” and “junior”.

“Elders” are older, ancient, date back to the pre-Christian period, sometimes they are supernatural creatures, werewolves with incredible strength. “It may have happened or it may not have happened,” this is just about them. Tales about them passed from mouth to mouth, and many historians generally consider them to be myths or ancient Slavic deities.

The so-called “younger heroes” already have a completely human image, they have great, but no longer titanic, not elemental strength, and almost all live during the time of Prince Vladimir (980-1015). Much has been preserved in historical chronicles indicating that the events that turned into epics actually took place. The heroes stood guard over Rus' and were its super-heroes.

The main representatives of epic super-heroism in the following order.

1. Svyatogor. Bogatyr-Gora

The terrible giant, the Elder Hero the size of a mountain, whom even the earth cannot support, lies on the mountain in inaction. The epics tell of his meeting with earthly cravings and death in a magical grave. Many features of the biblical hero Samson were transferred to Svyatogor. It is difficult to determine exactly the ancient origin of Svyatogor. In the legends of the people, the ancient warrior transfers his strength to Ilya Muromets, the hero of the Christian age.

2. Mikula Selyaninovich. Bogatyr-Plow

Found in two epics: about Svyatogor and about Volga Svyatoslavich. Mikula takes it not even with strength, but with endurance. He is the first representative of agricultural life, a powerful peasant plowman. Its terrible power and comparison with Svyatogor indicate that this image was formed under the influence of myths about titanic creatures, who were probably the personification of the earth or the patron god of agriculture. But Mikula Selyaninovich himself no longer represents the element of the earth, but the idea of a settled agricultural life, into which he invests his enormous strength.

3. Ilya Muromets. The hero and the man

The main defender of the Russian land, has all the features of a real historical character, but all his adventures are still compared to myth. Ilya has been sitting for thirty years; receives strength from the hero Svyatogor, performs the first peasant work, goes to Kyiv, on the way captures Nightingale the Robber, liberates Chernigov from the Tatars. And then - Kyiv, the heroic outpost with the “crusader brothers”, battles with Polenitsa, Sokolnik, Zhidovin; bad relations with Vladimir, Tatar attacks on Kyiv, Kalin, Idolishche; battle with the Tatars, three “trips” of Ilya Muromets. Not all aspects have been equally developed in the literature: relatively many studies have been devoted to some campaigns, while almost no one has yet studied others in detail. The physical strength of the hero is accompanied by moral strength: calmness, fortitude, simplicity, silverlessness, fatherly care, restraint, complacency, modesty, independence of character. Over time, the religious side began to take over in his characterization, so that finally he became a saintly saint. After a completely successful military career and, apparently, as a result of a serious wound, Ilya decides to end his days as a monk and takes monastic vows at the Theodosius Monastery (now the Kiev Pechersk Lavra). It should be noted that this is a very traditional step for an Orthodox warrior - to exchange the iron sword for the spiritual sword and spend his days fighting not for earthly blessings, but for heavenly ones.

The relics of St. Elijah resting in the Anthony Caves of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra show that for his time he really had a very impressive size and was head and shoulders taller than a man of average height. The relics of the monk no less clearly testify to his vivid military biography - in addition to a deep round wound on his left arm, the same significant damage can be seen in the left chest area. It seems that the hero covered his chest with his hand, and it was nailed to his heart by a spear blow.

4. Dobrynya Nikitich. Bogatyr-Lionheart

Compares with the chronicle Dobrynya, the uncle of Prince Vladimir (according to another version, nephew). His name personifies the essence of the “heroic kindness.” Dobrynya has the nickname “young”, with enormous physical strength “he wouldn’t hurt a fly”, he is the protector of “widows and orphans, unfortunate wives”. Dobrynya is also “an artist at heart: a master of singing and playing the harp.” He is a representative of high Russian society, such as a prince-commander. He is a prince, a rich man who has received a higher education, an archer and an excellent fighter, he knows all the subtleties of etiquette, he is intelligent in his speeches, but he is easily carried away and is not very persistent; in private life he is a quiet and meek person.

5. Alyosha Popovich. Bogatyr - Robin

He is closely connected with Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich: he is in constant relations with them. He is, as it were, the “youngest of the younger” heroes, and therefore his set of qualities is not so “Superman”. He is not even a stranger to vice: cunning, selfishness, greed. That is, on the one hand, he is distinguished by courage, but on the other hand, he is proud, arrogant, abusive, perky and rude. In battle he is nimble, cunning, daring, but in the end, by the later development of the epic, Alyosha turns out to be a woman's mockingbird, a malicious slanderer of female honor and an unlucky ladies' man. It is difficult to understand how the hero survived such degeneration; perhaps it was all due to a natural trait - boastfulness.

6. Mikhail Potyk - Bogatyr Like A Rolling Stone

He fights with the allegorical serpent of evil, according to the Bible, a reflection of the primordial enemy of man, “who took on the form of a serpent, became hostile between the first husband and the first wife, seduced the first wife and led the first people into temptation.” Mikhail Potyk is a representative of the zemstvo service force, he is a fidget, perhaps his name originally sounded like Potok, which meant “wandering, nomadic.” He is the ideal of a nomad..

7.Churila Plenkovich - Visiting Bogatyr

In addition to the old and new heroes, there is a separate group of visiting daredevils. Surovets Suzdalets, Duke Stepanovich, Churila Plenkovich are just from this series. The nicknames of these heroes are a direct reference to their native area. Crimea in ancient times was called Surozh or Sugdaya, so the hero who came from there was called Surovets or Suzdal. Churilo Plenkovich also came from Surozh, whose name is “deciphered” as Cyril, the son of Plenk, Frank, Frank, that is, the Italian merchant of Sourozh (with this name Felenk, Ferenk the Turks and Tatars designated the Genoese in the Crimea). Churila is the personification of youth, audacity and wealth. His fame preceded him - he arranged his acquaintance with Prince Vladimir as follows: he instilled fear in the boyars and nobles, intrigued the prince with his audacity and daring, invited him to the estate - and... modestly agreed to serve the prince. However, he became a hostage to his insolence - he fell in love with the young wife of an old boyar. The old boyar returned home - he cut off Churila's head, and his young wife threw herself onto a sharp pitchfork with her breasts.

Russian epics
heroes

Ancient Rus' - a historical period covering a period of time
from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
This period is called Kievan Rus, because the main city at that time
time was Kyiv. Ancient Rus' occupied the territory of modern
Ukraine, part of the Krasnodar Territory, part of the Volga region and part of the lands on
north between the Baltic Sea and two lakes - Ladoga and
Onezhsky.
Physical map of Ancient Rus'...

Political map of Ancient Rus'
Ancient Rus'

This was the capital of Ancient Rus'...
Layout of the central part of Kyiv

The whole world of ancient Russian life is revealed in epics. Their
The main character is a hero, a defender of the people. Bogatyrs
possessed enormous physical strength. So about my beloved Russian
The hero Ilya Muromets said: “Wherever you wave, here you will
the streets lie wherever you turn - with alleys.” Simultaneously
he was a very peace-loving hero who took up arms
only in case of emergency. As a rule, the carrier
such irrepressible force is a native of the people, a peasant
son. The people's heroes also possessed enormous magical powers.
strength, wisdom, cunning.

Origin of epics
Origin of epics
The epics got theirs
name from the words “truth”,
"was". There are unknowns in them
ancient authors
talked about events
which really
happened:
about battles with enemies,
about the victories of Russian soldiers.
The epics didn't work out
themselves, without authors. Their
composed by talented
people, but didn’t write it down.
Epics arose in
times of Kievan Rus. IN
that time often on Kievskaya
Rus' was attacked by nomads.
Among the defenders were
those that stood out
courage and daring. This
heroes. They loved
native land, stood on
guardian of its borders, at any time
minute of danger
came to the rescue
to their people, saved them
from humiliation and ruin.

Painting by V. Vasnetsov
Painting by V. Vasnetsov
"Accordion"
"Accordion"

Cycles of epics
Cycles of epics
All epics are divided into two cycles:
Kyiv and Novgorod.
 In Kyiv actions take place in Kyiv
or near it, in the center stands the prince
Vladimir, the heroes are defending the Russian
lands from nomads, the main characters are Ilya
Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha
Popovich.
 In Novgorod epics the main character is
Novgorod hero Sadko, he
engages in trade, makes Rus' rich.

from fairy tale heroes
from fairy tale heroes
 Fairy tale heroes are different from
epic heroes.
The difference between epic heroes
The difference between epic heroes
 Fairy tale heroes always use
magic. All their actions
do it for themselves or their
families, and heroes initially
have enormous power and are
defenders of the entire Russian people.

"hero"
Meaning and origin of the word
This word has several
This word has several

values:
values:
Hero of Russian epics and fairy tales.
Defender of the homeland, warrior, distinguished
extraordinary strength, courage,
I'm daring.
I'm daring.
Tall, strong built,
Tall, strong built,
strong man.
strong man.
An extraordinary, outstanding person
(portable)
(portable)
According to linguists, the word
According to linguists, the word
hero" is derived from the word
"" hero
"derived from the word
"rich man" is a rich person.
"rich man" is a rich person.

What did the ancient Russians look like?
Every warrior in Ancient Rus' had to
have special clothing and protective devices
warriors
and military weapons.

Items of clothing and military weapons
ancient Russian warriors
Helmet is a metal headdress that protects the head.
Chain mail is a protective shirt made of steel rings.
-Shield - a rounded metal board that protects from arrows in battle.
Sword is an ancient stabbing and chopping weapon in the form of a double-edged
straight blade with handle.
 Spear - piercing or piercing-cutting bladed weapon
(long wooden stick with a metal tip).
Mace is a wooden or metal club with protrusions.
 Saber - a bladed weapon that looks like a curved strip of steel, with
hilt and scabbard.
-Bow - a throwing weapon designed for shooting
arrows.
-Arrows are a bow projectile consisting of a thin wooden
shaft and metal or bone tip.
Quiver - a case for arrows.
The club is an ancient weapon, a heavy club with a thickened
the end.

Chainmail
Chainmail

The chain mail was made from
metal rings that were
riveted or welded together.
In the 10th-11th centuries it had the form
long-skirted shirt with short
sleeves. From the 12th century, a type of chain mail
changed, she got
long sleeves, and to protect the neck
and shoulders - chainmail mesh aventail.
The chain mail weighed 6-12 kilograms.
It is curious that when modern
craftsmen began to produce
chain mail, it turned out that they were making
they're pretty fast.

Old Russian foot warrior in a helmet with face protection and

neck, in chain mail, with a spear and shield.
The picture on the right shows a quiver with arrows.

This is how artists represent epics
heroes.
In the middle is an illustration by I. Bilibin “Vityaz”
at the crossroads". On the right is a reproduction from a painting by M.
Vrubel "Bogatyr"

Painting by V. Vasnetsov “Bogatyrsky
Leap", 1914
Leap", 1914

Going into battle, ancient Russian warriors carried banners with them,
standards, the face was protected with a special metal
mask, from the end of the 13th century helmets with masks appeared -
century, helmets with masks appeared -
mask, from the X end
masks that completely covered the warrior’s face.
They were called faces because they usually had

the shape of a human face or a mythical creature.

The battle of Russian soldiers with
The battle of Russian soldiers with
enemies
enemies

Russian epic heroes
Russian epic heroes
fought with enemies, it was or
monsters (many-headed serpent), or
evil and treacherous people.
evil and treacherous people.

Old Russian warriors fought with the invaders
glorifying the exploits of Russian heroes.
southern lands, defended the borders of Rus' on
West...About particularly distinguished brave men
heroic epic songs were composed,

Dobrynya Nikitich, Ilya Muromets and Alyosha Popovich.
Reproduction of the painting “Bogatyrs” by V. Vasnetsov
The most famous heroes:
("Three heroes")

Kyiv cycle of epics
Kyiv cycle of epics
epics
epics
about Ilya Muromets
about Ilya Muromets
The main character of these epics is the peasant Ilya from Murom.
Hence his nickname - Muromsky. Having gained miraculous power
from the wandering magi, he goes to serve
Prince Vladimir in Kyiv, performing amazing
exploits for the glory of Rus'. In these epics you can see
pictures of the life of Ancient Rus' (Kievan Rus), she was
very difficult and full of dangers.
The main feature of the epic heroes of this period
is love for one's native land. They are not different
only incredible strength, nobility, courage,
but also the desire to observe all established customs.

Painting
Painting
V. Vasnetsova
V. Vasnetsova
"Baptism
"Baptism
Rus'."
Rus'."
In the center-
In the center-
prince
prince
Vladimir
Vladimir

Still from the feature film “Ilya
Muromets"
Muromets"

Epics of the Novgorod cycle
Epics of the Novgorod cycle
The life and way of life of ancient Novgorod was reflected in the cycle
Novgorod epics dedicated to Sadko and Vasily
Buslaevich. The epic “Sadko” - “this,” according to
famous Russian revolutionary critic of the 19th
century V. G. Belinsky, - one of the pearls (pearls)
Russian folk poetry... It is poetic
apotheosis (glorification) of Novgorod as a trade
communities." Novgorod was a rich merchant
city, Novgorod residents themselves elected rulers, in
unlike other cities, in which the head of the city
was appointed chief prince.
2525

Plan of ancient Novgorod-
Plan of ancient Novgorod-
first free city
first free city
RusiRusi

Bogatyrs are the epic defenders of the Russian Land, “superheroes” of the Russian people for many centuries.

Let's remember the main ones.

1. Ilya Muromets. Holy hero

Ilya Muromets is canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church; he is the main Russian hero.

Ilya Muromets is the main character not only of Russian epics, but also, for example, of German epic poems of the 13th century.

In them he is also called Ilya, he is also a hero, yearning for his homeland. Ilya Muromets also appears in the Scandinavian sagas, in them he is, no less, the blood brother of Prince Vladimir.