From what I have understood, Russia has generally stolen a lot of Ukraine’s history and culture and passed it off as theirs. The word Rus refers to the vikings who actually founded Kyiv and whom many Ukrainians descend from. Even their names are Slavic versions of Norse names, which I didn’t know until relatively recently.

[–] rockerface@lemmy.cafe 2 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Yeah, a lot of Slavic names are borrowings or literal translations of Norse and Greek names (depending on the region and time period)

[–] Nangijala@feddit.dk 2 points 18 hours ago

I think it is really cool, honestly. It does make sense, in the same way that our ancient religions and folktales are all echoes of one another. I know that our most famous poet, Hans Christian Andersen borrowed from a couple of Slavic folktales to create some of his biggest fairytales. The Wild Swans were, as far as I remember, based on a Slavic fairytale where the princes turn into ravens instead of swans, but it’s been a minute and a half since I read about it, so Im super fuzzy on the details. I just remember finding so cool that he actually borrowed from other cultures in that way to tell these stories to a - then - new audience.

[–] Rose@lemmy.zip 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Yeah, even recently, Russia has removed or minimized references to Kyivan Rus in school books.

[–] Nangijala@feddit.dk 6 points 1 day ago

It is absolutely crazy what goes on over there. I am not an expert on the subject, but have seen, heard and read enough to understand how absolutely unhinged that country is right now. Most reasonable Russians who could afford it have left a long time ago and those who are still there have to witness their children’s education being turned into a brainwashing camp that will turn their kids into canon fodder the moment they come of age. It is so fucked, man.