Boris

Boris was a Russian prince who died in 1078. He was the grandson of Yaroslav I. He is used by the author as an example of princely folly (lines 245-50).

Boyan

Boyan was a minstrel and poet who sang in former days about the exploits of the Russian princes. He does not appear directly in the epic, but is invoked several times by the author, who praises his skill as a bard. Boyan is a "nightingale of the times of old."

David of Smolensk

David (d. 1198), brother of Rurik, fought the Kumans in 1183, alongside Rurik's forces. The author urges him and his brother to avenge the defeat of Igor.

Euphrosyne

Euphrosyne is Igor's wife. She is also called Yaroslavna. She appears late in the epic and sings a lament to the wind, the river and the sun in which she reveals her deep love for her husband. She also...