 | The epic songs of Russia |  |
281
Vasily Buslaevich
THIS doughty hero, a representative of the nobility
and, as some think, of the ushkuiniki, the
noted river-pirates, was a contemporary of
Sadko. Only one mention is made of him in the
Chronicles: his death is recorded in 1171. As this
was considered worthy of record amid events of the
greatest moment, some idea may be formed of his
importance. He was, in fact, a posadnik,—lord mayor
or president of the popular assembly.
It has been suggested that the "black-visaged
maid" is identical with the Iris of Greek mythology.
The fact that she had an arched yoke, and that she
was in the service of Avdotya Vasilievna, forms the
foundation for the comparison with Iris's rainbow and
position as handmaid to Juno.
| The epic songs of Russia | |