The work in the ZhZL series explores the question of the legendary founder of the Russian grand-ducal dynasty - was Rurik famous on the northern seas by King Rurik Friesland, or is this a completely different historical character? What can we learn about Rurik and his era from Russian, Scandinavian, German, Arab sources? Why was Rurik's figure so important for constructing dynastic consciousness in Russia? Comparing the data of Russian, Byzantine, Western European and Eastern sources, the author examines in detail not only the life of his hero, but also the legend about him, the echoes of which have reached our days.