Askold and Dir
The opera is based on the events of the early history of Russia. Askold and Dir were Rurik’s men who settled in Kyiv in the 9th century. According to the Russian Primary Chronicle, Oleg of Novgorod, the successor to Rurik, conquered Kyiv around 882. He killed Askold and Dir. Olga of Kiev built two churches at the place of their burial. The memorial on the bank of Dnieper River named “Askold’s Grave” still exists.