Dobrynya

Dobrynya (Russian: Добрыня, Ukrainian: Добриня) was Vladimir the Great's maternal uncle and tutor.

He was the historical prototype of the invincible bogatyr called Dobrynya Nikitich who appears in Russian folklore (byliny).

It is also generally accepted that Dobrynya's posadnik dynasty in Novgorod was continued by his son Konstantin Dobrynich and grandson Ostromir.

On their way to Kiev, Yaropolk's bride, Rogneda of Polotsk, offended Dobrynya by calling his sister a "bondswoman".

He accompanied his nephew in the 985 expedition against Volga Bulgaria and, following his lead, erected an idol of Perun on the bank of the Volkhov River.