Dobrynya and Zmey

Dobrynya Nikitich, one of the three great bogatyrs (epic heroes), was sent by Prince Vladimir to defeat the three-headed dragon Zmey Gorynych who was terrorizing the countryside.

After an initial failed attempt where Dobrynya showed mercy, the dragon returned to burning villages. Dobrynya fought the dragon for three days and nights near the Puchai River.

Using his magical whip and sword, Dobrynya finally defeated Zmey by cutting off all his heads. He rescued countless captives, including Zabava Putyatichna, the prince's niece.

This tale likely originated from historical conflicts between Slavs and nomadic steppe peoples, with the dragon representing invading forces. Dobrynya's character may be based on Vladimir the Great's maternal uncle who helped Christianize Rus'.

The story contains Christian elements (Dobrynya's mother gives him a cross for protection) mixed with older pagan motifs (the magical river, three-headed dragon). It was preserved in byliny (oral epic poems).