Bylina is a genre of ancient Russian literature, a narrative about bogatyrs, folk heroes, and historical events of Ancient Rus. Long ago, bylinas were called old tales, elder tales, meaning stories about what was in the distant past. Bytlinas tell of the feats of celebrated bogatyrs; they are the heroic epic of the Russian people. Russian bogatyrs are fearless warriors possessing incredible strength. And the horses of the bogatyrs are not ordinary: they speak in human voices, sense danger, and always come to the aid of their masters. Ilya Muromets is one of the main heroes of the ancient Russian bylinic epic, a defender of Russian land, formidable to enemies, loyal and just to his own. According to legend, he suffered from paralysis until the age of 33, but, having received strength from wandering angels, he becomes a hero, who faithfully serves Prince Vladimir and bravely fights against the Nightingale the Robber, Idolysh, the Tatars, and other enemies of Rus. Ilya Muromets is fearless, but he does not act rashly; he is wise and never harms the weak or innocent. He knows about danger but does not stray from the path, boldly engaging in battle with the Nightingale the Robber. The image of Ilya Muromets is only partly a fairy tale character; he has a historical prototype. Historians still debate who the prototype of Ilya Muromets was, but most lean towards the warrior nicknamed Chobotok, or Shoe, who lived in the 12th century. Once, he fought off enemies with the help of this footwear. For many years he fought for Russian land, accomplished many military feats, and then became a monk. Ilya Muromets is buried in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.
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