Rurik and Ivan the Terrible: The Rise of Foreigners and the Tsar's Anger
Rurik, a Varangian chieftain from Scandinavia, became one of the founders of Russian history in the early 9th century due to his bravery and wisdom. Invited by the nobility of Novgorod, he quelled internal strife and established the state of Rus, marking the beginning of the Rurik dynasty. However, there is still debate among historians about whether Rurik was the true founder of the Russian state. One perspective sees him as the initiator, while another argues that Igor was the real cornerstone.
The other notable tsar, Ivan the Terrible, is infamous for his extreme actions. He was not only a powerful ruler but also a highly controversial figure. One of the most notorious rumors is that he killed his own son in a fit of rage. In a moment of extreme anger, Ivan struck his son Ivan with a metal-tipped staff, leading to the latter's tragic death. Although this event is surrounded by controversy, Repin's famous painting "Ivan the Terrible and His Son" vividly depicts this tragic moment, showcasing the complex emotions of Ivan the Terrible and the helplessness of his son.
The stories of Rurik and Ivan the Terrible represent not only personal turning points but also significant milestones in the formation and development of the Russian state.
