Russian heroic epic

If myths are sacred knowledge, then the heroic epic of the peoples of the world is important and reliable information about the development of the people, expressed in the form of poetic art. And although the epic develops from myths, it is not always so sacred, because changes and changes in the content and structure of the narrative occur on the path of transition . An example is the heroic epic of the Middle Ages or the epics of Ancient Rus expressing the ideas of social justice, glorifying the Russian heroes defending the people, glorifying outstanding people and the great events connected with them.

In fact, the Russian heroic epic was called epic only in the XIX century, and until then it was folk "antiquities" - poetic songs that glorify the history of the life of Russian people. The time of their addition some researchers attribute to the X-XI centuries - the period of Kievan Rus. Others believe that this is a later genre of folk art and it refers to the period of the Moscow state.

The Russian heroic epic embodies the ideals of brave and devoted heroes fighting with enemy hordes. The mythological sources include later epics, describing such heroes as Magus, Svyatogor and Danube. Later appeared three heroes - the famous and beloved defenders of the Fatherland.

These are Dobrynya Nikitich, Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich, who represent the heroic epos of the Kiev period of the development of Russia. These antiquities reflect the history of the formation of the city itself and the reign of Vladimir, to which the bogatyrs went to the service. In contrast, the Novgorod epics of this period are dedicated to blacksmiths and guslars, princes and noble farmers. Their heroes are amorous. They have a quirky mind. This is Sadko, Mikula, who represent a bright and sunny world. Ilya Muromets stands on his guard at his outpost and conducts his patrol at the high mountains and dark forests. He fights against evil forces for the sake of good on Russian soil.

Every epic hero has his own character trait. If Ilya Muromtsu heroic epic gives a huge power, like Svyatogor, then Dobrynya Nikitich, in addition to strength and fearlessness is an outstanding diplomat, capable of defeating a wise snake. That's why Prince Vladimir entrusts him with diplomatic missions. Unlike them, Alyosha Popovich is cunning and savvy. Where he does not have enough strength, he cunning into the matter. Of course, these images of heroes are generalized.
Bylins have a subtle rhythmic organization, and their language is melodic and solemn. As art means there are epithets, comparisons. Enemies are presented ugly, and Russian heroes - grandiose and sublime.

Folk epics do not have a single text. They were transmitted orally, so they varied. Each epic has several options, reflecting specific subjects and motives of the terrain. But miracles, characters and their reincarnations in different versions are preserved. Fantastic elements, werewolves, resurrected heroes are transmitted on the basis of the historical representation of the people about the world around them. It is unequivocal that all epics were written in times of independence and power of Russia, therefore the era of antiquity has a conventional time here.