Dobrynya Nikitich is a great and popular character who stars in many byliny (epic poems) of Russian and Slavic folklore. Dobrynya was a bogatyr (a heroic knight). He may have been based on a real person who lived in the court of Vladimir the Great, an Eleventh Century ruler in what is now Ukraine. As often happens, the legend of Dobrynya’s cunning and skill at arms far outstrips that of any mere mortal.
Perhaps his best known adventure came when he faced the dreaded dragon, Zmey Gorynych. As the tale begins, Dobrynya’s mother warns him of four things that he must not do: travel through the Saracen Mountains, trample baby dragons, rescue a Russian captive, and swim in the Puchai River. Like many young men, the bogatyr was fearless and proud. He scoffed at his mother’s advice.
One day, as he traveled on court business, he came to that very same river. It was hot, so he decided to go for a swim. Unfortunately for Dobrynya, someone else was also bathing that day — a twelve-headed dragon burst from the water, roaring! This, of course, was Zmey Gorynych. Because they were in the water, the bogatyr was able to avoid being burned by her fiery breath, but his weapons and armor were back on the bank. If he tried to reach them, he would be incinerated! In desperation, Dobrynya groped in the water for anything that could help him. All he found was a sturdy pilgrim’s hat.
Somehow, the bogatyr was able to use this as a weapon. Now it was the dreadful dragon who feared for her life. She pleaded with Dobrynya to spare her on account of having young baby dragons at home. The courtly knight was moved to pity, and the two of them made a promise not to fight each other again. Zmey Gorynych flew away — but she was as wicked as she was fierce. As soon as Dobrynya was out of sight, she started to plan her revenge…
Come back Saturday for part two of the epic tale!
Wyrmflight: A Hoard of Dragon Lore — $4.99 e-book or $17.99 trade paperback. Available at Amazon or Draft2Digital.
I’ll be here…