Today at 18:49
People gathered on Kyiv’s Trukhaniv Island to witness the opening ceremony of a monument dedicated to Kyivan Rus’ legendary hero, Ilya Muromets.
Muromets was a defender of Kyiv. Born near Chernihiv, he served Prince Volodymyr the great in the times of Kyivan Rus. Muromets’s adventures are a large part of Ukrainian myth. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko unveiled the monument.
“It’s very good that we remember history. Those who don’t remember history will never have a future. We must honor history and people who made a significant contribution to history. And it’s great that we have all gathered today and unveiled this monument, which was made with the most modern technology, by a young talented sculptor Volodymyr Zhuravel,” Klitshko said.
The completed statue reached a height of 7 meters tall, and 11 meters including the hill and granite pedestal. Famed Ukrainian strongman, Vasyl Virastiuk posed as Muromets, during its construction.
Zhuravel said that he used a 3D printer to make the sculpture and that it was the first time that this technique had been used in Ukraine on a sculpture of a such a large scale.
Following the opening of the monument, many participants joined in the celebration at the medieval village near the statue. Guests took part in archery, blacksmithing, horseback riding and sword fighting as well.
Later this month, Ukrainians will celebrate Muromfest, where strongmen will test their strength in honor of Muromets.
