Dobrynya Nikitich wins Nastasya Mikulichna as his wife in the byliny, and their marriage is tested when Alyosha Popovich falsely declares Dobrynya dead and courts her — only for the bogatyr to return in disguise and reclaim his bride.
In several byliny, Alyosha Popovich falsely claims Dobrynya Nikitich has died and attempts to marry his wife. When Dobrynya returns, the resulting confrontation nearly destroys their fellowship at Vladimir's court.
Dobrynya Nikitich's three-day battle against Zmey Gorynych is the most famous dragon-slaying in Russian byliny. After nearly drowning in the dragon's blood, Dobrynya triumphs and frees the captive women.
Ilya Muromets stands as the eldest and mightiest of Prince Vladimir's bogatyri in Kiev, the heroic triad completed by Dobrynya Nikitich's noble cunning and Alyosha Popovich's youthful daring. Together they defend the Rus against invaders, monsters, and the forces that threaten the prince's realm.
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