Dobrynya Nikitich`s Last Fight

Abstract

The paper presents a historical reconstruction of the final stage of the life of one of the main prototypes of the epic hero Dobrynya Nikitich. The study included problem-chronological and historical-analytical methods of scientific research. The authors conducted a historiographic analysis of the issue and identified the main sources used in writing the paper. Based on the texts of several Russian epics, Old Russian chronicles and graffiti found during the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Pereslavl-Zalessky in 2015, they indicated an obvious connection between the epic hero Dobrynya Nikitich and the Rostov boyar Dobrynya Dolgy. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of Dobrynya's personal participation in the tragic events of 1174. Based on a forensic medical examination of the remains of Andrei Bogolyubsky, as well as a number of written sources, the authors of the research came to the conclusion that Dobrynya Nikitich served in the squad of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, was involved in a conspiracy against him, but did not directly participate in his murder. After the tragic events of 1174, he fled to Rostov, where he took part in the military council before the battle of Lipetsk and died during the battle that followed.