person
Ilya of Murom
Ilya
also: Ilija, Ilya Muromets, der Riese von Murom
Ilya Muromets, greatest of the Russian bogatyrs (epic folk-heroes); in the bylina he lies lame for thirty-three years until two wandering pilgrims heal him and he rises to vast strength. Rilke opens 'Die Zaren' with his waking.
Reading notes
- The Book of Images §54 Ilya, the giant of Murom
Ilya Muromets, the chief of the Russian bogatyrs (epic folk-heroes); long lame, healed by two pilgrims, he wakes to immense strength — the legendary energy out of which Rilke imagines the first Tsars rising.