Alyosha Popovich
Aljoscha Popowitsch ( Russian Алё́ша Попо́вич , German Aljoscha Popensohn , also Aljoscha, son of the priest ) is the third of the three heroes of the Russian fairy tale and saga known as Bogatyri .
He is described as the son of a Rostov priest named Leonti (sometimes also Fyodor). In addition, very rapid growth and an unusual strength are ascribed to it. While the first two Bogatyri, Ilja Muromez and Dobrynja Nikititsch , appear more like seasoned warriors, even military leaders, Aljoscha Popowitsch embodies the type of the youthful, impetuous and cocky hero.
On top of that he has heavenly assistance; in a version of the legend he can summon a storm cloud in the fight against the "dragon son Tugarin", the rain of which forces the winged steed Tugarin to the ground. Aljoscha Popowitsch's skill is also praised in the same fight, so he slides under his horse and then sets a fatal stab at his opponent.
literature
- Eleazar Meletinskij (Ed.): Mifologičeskij slovar ʹ . Sovetskaja ėnciklopedija, Moscow 1991, ISBN 5-85270-068-1 ( Mythological dictionary ; Russian; entry on Aljoscha Popowitsch online).
