Dobrynya Nikitich (Russian: Добрыня Никитич) is one of the most popular bogatyrs (epic knights) from the "Kievan" series of Russian folklore based on bylina (epic songs) originating from the area around the capital of the Kievan Rus, Kiev.[1][2] Albeit fictional, this character is based on a real warlord Dobrynya, who led the armies of Svyatoslav the Great and tutored his son Vladimir the Great.
Many byliny center on Dobrynya completing tasks set him by prince Vladimir. Dobrynya is often portrayed as being close to the royal family, undertaking sensitive and diplomatic missions. As a courtier, Dobrynya seems to be a representative of the noble class of warriors. He is a professional archer, swimmer, and wrestler. He plays the gusli, plays tafl, and is known for his courtesy and cunning.[3]
- ^ James Bailey; Tatyana Ivanova (2015). An Anthology of Russian Folk Epics. Routledge. p. 106. ISBN 978-0-873-32641-4.
- ^ "bylinas | World Epics". edblogs.columbia.edu. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
- ^ Bailey & Ivanova tr. (1998), p. 81.