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
Linguistically, bylina is characterized by formulaic language, repetition, and extended speeches. Plots are episodic and performative,
Significance and legacy: Byliny are a core source for East Slavic folklore, offering insights into social ideals,