On the Origin of Rurik

The book publishes classic works on the origin of Rus and its ruling dynasty.

Friedrich Kruse and Nikolai Timofeevich Belyaev are the authors of the hypothesis identifying Rurik of the Primary Chronicle with Rorik of Jutland. The hypothesis is based on... the study of many written sources. In addition to the Primary Chronicle, Western European chronicles, sagas, and works of historians are used. The afterword assesses the problems faced by the hypothesis when considering modern achievements in archaeology, climatology, linguistics, sociology, and others.

Searches for traces of Rurik and his ancestors in Northern Europe.

Friedrich Kruse and Nikolai Belyaev carefully studied Western European sources to view Rurik not as an epic hero but as a real historical figure. They traced Rurik's lineage for several generations, indicating the geographical area of origin of the clan.

The afterword discusses the problems associated with these studies, particularly the modern data that do not allow fully embracing the hypotheses of F. Kruse and N. Belyaev.

The works of F. Kruse and N. Belyaev have not been published in Russian for over a century and are of interest to all who are interested in the origin of the ruling dynasty of Rus.