Kyiv - where the name comes from
The story behind the name “Kyiv” goes back to the mythical foundation of the city. According to legend, the city was founded in the 5th century by three brothers and a sister, the oldest brother being named Prince Kyi.
They supposedly sailed down the Dnipro and established a settlement at the top of four hills on the grounds of what is today known as Shchekavytsia and Khoryvytsia. You can get a view over this area by climbing up right after Andriyivskyi Descent. You can also see sculptural likenesses of the four siblings in one of two places: on the bank of the Dnipro near Paton Bridge, or at the fountain on Maidan Nezalezhnosti. The monument on the Dnipro has become a popular stop for newlyweds: by tradition they lay flowers at monuments and take pictures on their wedding day. The newer monument in the centre looks decidedly less Soviet than the one by the river, and the figures even look a bit Nordic in their costume.The other legend says that St Andrew came to the hills overlooking the Dnipro on his way to Rome. According to this legend he blessed this place and predicted a grand future for the city.
Although many stories about these founders and protectors of the city are recent fabrications, as with all legends they may contain some truth. Archaeological finds indicate that the area of present-day Kyiv has been inhabited for about 17,000 years, however there is no evidence of an organized permanent settlement until the foundation of a citadel on the steep Right Bank roughly where the legend places the mythical foundations of the city. This fortification was built to defend against marauding Slavs and peoples invading from Asia, and it would certainly have required the administration of a warrior-leader.
The Kyivan Rus state was established by descendants of the Varangians, a Viking-like people who migrated from Scandinavia mainly by ship. They served in administrative and mercenary roles throughout Eastern Europe and made up much of the warrior and ruling classes.