What were the exploits of Dobrynya Nikitich? What is the main occupation of Dobryni Nikitich?

The main occupation of Dobryni Nikitich is the defense of Russia from external enemies. This Russian hero in its importance is second only to Ilya Muromets. Together with Alyosha Popovich, they form the famous troika of heroes. In addition, the epic about Dobryna Nikitich mentions him as a relative of the prince. In other stories, the hero is called Vladimir's nephew. Of all the bogatyrs, he most often fulfills the orders of the prince: to marry Vladimir to a bride, to negotiate with the gentry bystanders, to check the praise of Duke. Bogatyr Dobrynya Nikitich is sent as a companion of Vasily Kazimirovich to an important task - to collect tribute in the horde.

Where does the bogatyr come from?

In some epics, the merchant's origin of Dobrynya Nikitich is mentioned. A native of Ryazan, he is the son of Nikita Romanovich. The father dies early, so the mother brings up the boy. She gives her son to study, where they teach "a tricky reading and writing". Bylina about Dobryna Nikitich constantly mentions education and knowledge of manners. The hero knows how to sing, play the harp. He is an expert chess player, even a connoisseur of this game - the Tatar Khan - can not defeat him. The qualities of Dobrynya Nikitich are crowned by the ability to excellently shoot: in this art, the hero has no equal.

Battle with the Snake Gorynych

One of the epics mentions the main occupation of Dobryni Nikitich in his childhood: confrontation with the serpent tribe. Even then, the "young Dobrynyushko" rides a horse in the field of "small snake-nosed ones". In the legend "Dobrynya Nikitich and the Serpent" it is told about the main feat of the hero. Before the battle, the protagonist goes to the Pechai River, where the Snake Gorynych dwells. Contrary to the warnings of the mother, he enters the river water. As soon as the unarmed Dobrynia turns in the middle of the river, the Serpent appears. Pushing in the air, Gorynych sprinkled with rain and fiery sparks. A brave hero dives into the water and gets to the shore. There he enters into battle with the Serpent, as a result of which he crushes the enemy. Pav on the ground, Gorynych begs for mercy, asks not to cut his head. The hero decides to let go of the defeated enemy. However, taking advantage of the kindness of Dobryni, the cunning Serpent flies over Kiev, committing the abduction of the beloved niece of the prince - Zabava Putyatishny. Dobryni Nikitich's feats include the salvation of Fun. According to the prince's order, he goes to the snake hole and releases the girl.

The Baptism of Rus as the basis of the plot of the struggle with the Snake Gorynych

There is an opinion that the feat of Dobryni Nikitich, describing the confrontation with the serpent, reflects the event of the baptism of Rus. This is due to some reasons: the bathing of the hero in the river, the battle of the serpent with the help of the "cap of the Greek land," and as is known, Christianity came from Greece. In the legend, an analogy is drawn between the actions of Dobrynya Nikitich and the prince's uncle, who took part in the baptism of Rus.

Other feats of Dobryni Nikitich

The opposition of the hero with the serpent has analogies with other battles. In the role of opponents of the hero appear and a harmful creature in the image of a woman Yaga, and Polyanitsa. Bogatyr Dobrynya Nikitich fights against the Danube, Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich - the warriors of his circle. After the battles, their reconciliation follows, which means the formation of a "crusade brotherhood".

The plot is very symbolic: Dobrynya Nikitich and Marinka. Marina Ignatyevna lures the hero to his house, and then invites him to marry her. In response to the refusal, the woman resorts to the help of her sorcerous charms, as a result of which the hero turns into a "bay tour". According to one of the versions, the witch still manages to marry Dobrynya. His mother comes to the aid of the hero. However, Marinka does not abandon attempts to become the wife of Dobryni Nikitich. Turning around as a bird, she flies to the hero's house and again insists on getting married, offering in return to give him a human face. Dobrynya agrees to the conditions, but only in order to become a hero again, cruelly execute a seducer. According to another version, Dobryni's mother turns Marinka into a magpie.

In this plot, an analogy is again made with the mythologized image - Marina Mniszek. She also practiced witchcraft and led a dissolute life. Legends tell us that she managed to escape, too, turning into a magpie.

Search for the bride for the prince

Since the main occupation of Dobryni Nikitich was inextricably linked with the performance of princely assignments, the epic about the search for a bride for Vladimir is of no small importance. According to the claimed qualities, Opraksa queen was approaching. Together with Dunayev Ivanovich, the warrior mines a bride for the prince. This episode is connected with the historical event mentioned in the annals. According to him, Vladimir instructs Dobryne to go to Polotsk and ask the daughter of Rogvolod to become the prince's wife.

Guest at the wedding of his wife

It is also worth mentioning the well-known episode of Alesha Popovich's marriage to the wife of the hero Nastasye. The main occupation of Dobryni Nikitich is the protection of the Kiev people from external enemies. Leaving for a foreign country in search of an adversary, Dobrynya orders his wife to wait for him twelve years. However, the cunning Alyosha Popovich soon brings Nastasya the news of the alleged death of her husband. As a matchmaker, asking Nastasya to marry Alyosha, the prince himself appears. Under Vladimir's pressure, she has no choice but to agree to a wedding. During the feast Dobrynia Nikitich appears, disguised as a buffooness. After asking permission, he begins the game on the harp. At that moment Nastasya finds out in her mysterious guest her husband. Dobrynya Nikitich straightens Alyosha for a mean deception. Ilya Muromets interferes in their quarrel. Reminding both that they are all "cross brothers", he plays the role of conciliator between the heroes.