Bylina

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A bylina (Russian: былина, IPA: [bɨˈlʲinə]; pl. былины, byliny), also popularly known as a starina (Russian: старина), is a type of Russian oral epic poem.

Byliny deal with all periods of Russian history. Byliny narratives are loosely based on historical fact, but greatly embellished with fantasy or hyperbole. Byliny originate from the times of Kievan Rus', but had only survived in northern Russia by the time they were collected.

In a strict academic sense, byliny can be defined as a specific verse meter known from certain Russian sung epics, ballads and humorous songs.

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