CHRONICLER NESTOR: MYTH AND REALITY

The name Nestor, known as the Chronicler, has become an important symbol, especially in Ukrainian and Russian cultures. He is considered the author (or compiler) of the original Rus’ chronicle, called the «Tale of Bygone Years». Even experts admit that this author had something to do with this grandiose work. In fact, here we are dealing with a scientific myth that has become established in literature. The article, based on original sources, states that there are, in fact, three Nestors-Chroniclers. The first is the mythical Nestor-Chronicler, who is credited with writing the original chronicle. The second is Nestor, who wrote the «Life of Theodosius of the Caves» and other works of a hagiographic nature. The third is Nestor, who wrote the initial monastic chronicle of the Kyivan Cave Monastery and fragments of whose works were included in the «Tale of Bygone Years».