Good rulers that are significant historical figures can have a lot of different characteristics or traits, virtues and qualities; however, to be remembered by the people and written down in the history as good rulers, they are often respected, regarded and revered by the people. In the old times, where technology is lacking, the features and perceptions of the rulers are changed and described by different people through writing or the word of mouth; therefore, the traits that were written down as history are often agreed, accepted and highly recognized by the people. There are too many controversies about rulers and are always multi-dimensional since they are such a widespread issue. In this paper, I am going to describe the rulers of Kievan Rus’, Vladimir I and Olga of Kiev, describing their actions during their time of ruling, also arguing that the virtues and qualities, such as cruelness and decisiveness can bring safety and peace to the country; …show more content…
Evidences can be found in folklore about Olga by the people at the time. Although Olga was cruel during her obliteration of the Derevlians, her actions were legitimized by the folklore genres as the perfect widow. Olga had never shown any sign of cruelty ever, except in the war of Derevlians. It was the only war that she was engaged in, but the only war that was required to be respected and venerated by her people. At the ancient times, blood feuds were a matter of honour and legitimate legal instruments. After Olga’s husband, Igor, was killed, the Derevlians asked Olga to marry Prince Mal of Derevlians. Besides desiring a marriage, Derevlians also wanted to control Olga’s son, Svyatoslav, “… we shall obtain possession of Svyatoslav, and work our will upon him” (Russian Primary Chronicle 80). Instead of following the instructions, Olga pretended that she was accepting the proposal to the marriage and later destroying the Derevlians’ city, Korosten, strategically and