Alyosha Popovich- Slavic HeroHero"The Cunning Bogatyr"

Slaying Tugarin Zmeyevich

Alyosha Popovich, a priest's son from Rostov, rides to Prince Vladimir's court in Kiev. There he finds Tugarin Zmeyevich, a monstrous figure, sprawled across the prince's table, gorging on whole swans and making advances toward the princess. No one dares confront him. Alyosha mocks the monster openly, comparing him to his father's greedy cow that burst from overeating.

Tugarin flies into a rage and challenges him to single combat. When the moment comes, Tugarin takes to the air on paper wings. Alyosha prays to God for rain. The rain soaks the wings and sends Tugarin crashing to earth. Alyosha strikes off his head with a sword and carries it back to the prince's hall.

Dobrynya's Wife

In another bylina, Dobrynya Nikitich rides out on a long campaign and does not return. Years pass. Alyosha brings news to Dobrynya's wife Nastasya Mikulichna: her husband is dead. He proposes marriage. Nastasya resists, but Prince Vladimir himself urges the match, and she agrees.

On the wedding day, a stranger arrives and asks to play the gusli. Nastasya recognizes the musician's hands. It is Dobrynya in disguise. He reveals himself, and Alyosha is publicly humiliated before the assembled court. The bylina does not excuse him. He lied, and everyone knows it.