Bogatyr Alyosha Popovich came from Poltava land
Each of us remember since childhood the famous painting “Bogatyrs” by the prominent painter Victor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov. The glory of this masterpiece has spread among people as far as in 1871 when there were first sketches. Only in 1898, almost three decades later, the painting was presented to the general view in State Tretyakov Gallery. During this 27 years Victor Mikhailovich had painted Sampsonivska church in
Poltava and St. Volodymyr Cathedral in Kyiv, few small canvases. Working on the painting “Bogatyrs”, the artist rested from the hard work of painting churches. He treated canvas very carefully, knowing that this was the peak of his creativity.
And what is in the picture? In the desert, on the boundless spaces stopped three riders, three powerful heroes. Argus-eyed and anxiously they peer into the distance: "Is there an enemy, is not anyone hurt?". Wind shakes yellowed grass, whiffles manes and tails of heroic horses, drives in the autumn sky menacing clouds.
Firmly, steady stand heroes guarding the homeland. No beast or bird will pass unnoticed. Who are they, these defenders of the native land? We are facing favorite folk heroes: Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich, Alyosha Popovich. They are - just people who both plowed the soil and defended the Motherland from Polovtsian, Pechenegs and other enemies.
Probably every one of you thought much about the question: were these heroes real personalities or just created by a poetic imagination of authors and singers of the epic legends? Modern scientists have proved not only that these Knights actually existed, but have found unequivocal evidence that they were the sons of the Ukrainian people. The youngest of the bogatyrs, Alyosha Popovich, was our countryman.
In the center of the picture Ilya Muromets - mighty warrior on a gigantic black horse. He made a hand to his forehead and peers into the distance. Ilya is a sturdy and powerful, as old forest. Easily holding a heavy stick. The chief who realizes his power and strength, always ready for battle. In the epic said: "Ataman is big, peasant son, Ilya Muromets - son Ivanovich, from under the glorious city, Murom, out from the village Karacharovo...". Confidence is felt in its powerful figure. Wide stubborn forehead, tightly compressed lips, direct and open sight of dark eyes suggest resolute force of will, integrity and honesty of his soul.
Modern scientists have found that Ilya Muromets - a real person and he lived not in Murom, but in Morovinsk town, next to which was the village of Karachevo (in epic Karacharovo), Chernihiv principality. This is confirmed by the lines of the legends, that look at the most famous feat of Ilya - battle with Nightingale the Robber in Chernihiv forests. Last years of his life he spent in Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, where was atoning his sins (Muromets Ilya killed many). Heroe’s relics are still kept in Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
Scientists are interested in appearance of the hero. The relics of Ilya were examined by high science. His height - 177 sm. That time this height was considered above average. Age 40-45 years. On the skeleton of the hero were found traces of many wounds.
To the right of Muromets - Dobrynya Nikitich. He looks completely different. Sophisticated armor of the hero and costly armor of his horse suggest that Dobrynya was born in noble family. Scientists have proven that a person with that name actually existed. Real Dobrynya Nikitich was palatine of Kyiv Prince Vladimir, and the hero's sister Malusha was the mother of Prince.
To the left of Ilya on golden horse is the youngest Knight - Alyosha Popovich. Not by the bogatyr force he fight 
against the enemy, but inventiveness, ingenuity, cleverness. Cheerful and talkative, Alyosha was a master of bewitching the hearts of young girls. Something he contrives, glancing to the side.
In one of the epics is described how the mother sees Alyosha going to march against the enemy on the market square in the beautiful city Pyriatyn. At that time Pyriatyn stood on the border of Old Rus and was one of its strong points in the fight against the nomads. So Alyosha Popovich - our countryman, was from Pyriatyn. In the literature there are also reports that home of Alyosha Popovich is a city Pyriatyn therefore researchers of epic chronicles are sure that he was really a historical character, about whose exploits mentioned in the chronicles.
Nikon Chronicle reports - Alyosha Popovich distinguished himself in the fight against Polovtsy, killing Polovtsian Khan and his brother. Around 1201 Alyosha Popovich was mentioned in the chronicles as a participator in fight against Pechenegs.
In Tver chronicles is recorded that he participated in the famous battle the on the Kalka river (1223) and was killed along with other seventeen champions.
Annalistic hero Alyosha Popovich was defending the land on the left bank, where were located Kyiv, Chernigov and Pereyaslav principalities. This serves as another proof that Pyriatyn city was the birthplace of the hero. Another interesting fact that it is in Pyryatyn land where surname Popovich is preserved to this day.
