died 879. Varangian (Scandinavian Viking) leader who founded the Russian monarchy. He gained control over Novgorod (?862) and his dynasty, the Rurikids, ruled until 1598
Rurik in American English
(ˈrurɪk)
died a.d. 879; Scand. chief regarded as the founder of the 1st Russian dynasty (862?-1598)