Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv were three legendary medieval brothers, and Lybid was their sister. According to medieval lore, they formed the city of Kyiv, which later became the capital of Kievan Rus and modern-day Ukraine.
Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and Lybid are legendary figures who are credited with the founding of the ancient city of Kyiv, now the capital of Ukraine. While the exact origins of these figures are shrouded in mystery, they are widely regarded as the first rulers of the city and have played a significant role in its cultural and historical legacy.
According to legend, Kyi was a prince who, along with his brothers Shchek and Khoryv, founded the city of Kyiv in the 5th century AD. The brothers are said to have settled in the area after traveling from the western lands of the Rus, a medieval East Slavic state that spanned much of what is now modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. They are also believed to have married three sisters, who were later identified as Lybid, who is said to have founded the nearby Lybid River, along with her sisters, Nastya and Olena.
While the exact details of the story are unclear, the legend of Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and Lybid has played a significant role in the history and culture of Kyiv. The city’s coat of arms features an image of the four legendary founders, and their story has been retold in countless books, plays, and works of art.
The legend of the four founders also reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Rus, a civilization that emerged in the 9th century and would go on to shape much of the region’s history. The Rus were a diverse people who spoke various languages, including Old East Slavic, Old Norse, and Old Finnish, and their society was marked by complex social hierarchies and intricate political alliances.
Despite the enduring legacy of Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and Lybid, the true origins of Kyiv are still the subject of debate among historians. Some scholars argue that the city was founded much later than the 5th century AD and that its early history is shrouded in myth and legend. However, regardless of the veracity of the legend, there is no doubt that Kyiv has played a crucial role in the cultural and political history of the region, and the story of its founding remains an important part of the city’s identity.
