bylina

Bylina is a traditional East Slavic oral epic poem, with the plural form byliny, a long narrative of heroic feats, typically centered on bogatyrs, legendary warrior-heroes of medieval Rus'. Byliny were formed and transmitted orally among rural communities in what are now Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, from antiquity onward and were later collected and published by 19th-century folklorists such as Alexander Afanasyev.

The best-known bylina centers on Ilya Muromets, with other popular heroes such as Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich. The plots blend battles, magical helpers, and episodes that test courage and loyalty, often set in a mythic version of Rus' with monsters, dragons, and forest spirits.

Linguistically, bylina is characterized by formulaic language, repetition, and extended speeches. Plots are episodic and performative, with a focus on individual heroism and prowess rather than a continuous narrative. The tradition merges pre-Christian mythic elements with Christian references in later versions.

Significance and legacy: Byliny are a core source for East Slavic folklore, offering insights into social ideals, regional memory, and historical perception of Rus'. They influenced literature, art, and later folklore studies, and remain a living topic of research and occasional performance.