Rjurik

Rjurik is a legendary figure from the 9th century, often regarded as a founding leader of the early East Slavic state known as Kievan Rus. His story, which intertwines with both Scandinavian sagas and the chronicles written by monks in Kyiv, has been appropriated by various political leaders throughout history, including Vladimir Putin, to justify claims over modern-day Ukraine. However, historical evidence suggests that Rjurik never ruled in Kyiv, and his legacy has become a symbol of myth-making in the context of power and national identity.