druzhyna

A druzhyna was a retinue or personal military escort in medieval Slavic societies, particularly in Kievan Rus'. The term "druzhyna" derives from the Old East Slavic word "druh," meaning comrade or friend, highlighting the personal bond between the prince and his warriors. These warriors were not mercenaries but served out of loyalty and shared military objectives.

The druzhyna played a crucial role in the political and military structures of these states. They formed the core of a prince's army, providing him with a reliable fighting force and a council of advisors. Membership in the druzhyna offered social prestige and material rewards, including plunder and land. The composition and size of a druzhyna could vary depending on the prince's wealth and the prevailing political climate.

There was often a distinction within the druzhyna between the senior members, known as the "stareishaya druzhina" (senior druzhina), and the younger, less experienced warriors, the "mladshaya druzhina" (junior druzhina). The senior druzhina often held significant influence, participating in princely councils and holding important administrative positions. The junior druzhina comprised the bulk of the fighting force.

The druzhyna system declined with the fragmentation of Kievan Rus' and the rise of more centralized feudal structures. However, the concept of a prince's loyal retinue persisted in various forms throughout Slavic history.