Viking Prince of the Rus’
Oleg the Prophet (Old Norse: Helgi; East Slavic: Олег Вещий) was a Varangian (Viking) prince who ruled over Kievan Rus’ in the 9th and 10th centuries. He is a key figure in both Norse sagas and Slavic chronicles, particularly in the Primary Chronicle, which describes his reign and legendary exploits.
Oleg’s Rule and Expansion of Kievan Rus’
Successor of Rurik: After the death of Rurik, the founder of the Rurikid dynasty, Oleg became the regent of Rurik’s son, Igor, and ruled in his stead.
Conquest of Kiev (882 AD):
Oleg led a Viking army from Novgorod to Kiev, defeating local rulers and establishing Kiev as the capital of Kievan Rus’.
This marked the beginning of Kievan Rus’ as a powerful Slavic-Viking state.
Campaign Against the Byzantine Empire (907 AD):
Oleg led a massive fleet of Viking warriors against Constantinople.
According to legend, he nailed his shield to the city gates as a symbol of victory.
This resulted in a favourable trade treaty between Kievan Rus’ and Byzantium.
The Prophecy and Mysterious Death of Oleg
“Oleg the Prophet”: He was known as “the Prophet” because of a famous legend about his death.
A seer told him he would die from his beloved horse.
To avoid this fate, Oleg sent his horse away and never rode it again.
Years later, he found the horse’s skeleton and mocked the prophecy—but a snake slithered from the skull and bit him, killing him.
This legend made Oleg a mythical figure, blending history with Viking superstition.
Oleg’s Legacy
One of the greatest Viking rulers of Kievan Rus’, shaping its power and expansion.
Seen as a warrior-king and a shrewd strategist, combining diplomacy and military force.
His legend is popular in both Russian and Norse traditions.
Depicted in TV shows like “Vikings”, where he is shown as a mystical and ruthless ruler.
