Why is the fox called Patrikeevna: where did this nickname come from

“Why is the fox called Patrikeevna?” – probably many of us have been asking this question since childhood. After all, almost any fairy tale names the fox with a similar nickname. But what does it mean and how exactly did it come about? Let’s try to figure it out.

Why is the fox called Patrikeevna: where did this nickname come from

Patrikeevna – this, as you can see, patronymic. But who was this mysterious Patrick? This turned out to be very real. historical figure – namely, the Lithuanian a prince who belonged to the Gediminovich family. Gediminas, by the way, was the grandfather of Patrikey, and he was quite an influential lord.

But son of Gediminas – father of Patrikey – not was so great. He received Novgorod estates, of which, however, years later was expelled in disgrace. And all because neglected his duties and clearly failed to meet the his duties.

However, the after some time in Novgorod the land has already arrived Patrickey himself. Can to say that he took over his father’s business. What it is noteworthy that he was met by local residents with honor, despite not the most good memories of his father.

IMPORTANT: However, this time the Novgorodians made a mistake – Patrikey turned out to be that tricky one! And to such an extent that his name has become a household name.

This the prince did his best to sow turmoil between his subordinates – up to to such an extent he loved intrigue! Wherein about any reconciliation of the warring parties with each other, of course, the speech was not conducted. Moreover, the prince even encouraged the ushkuins! Robbers were called “Ushkuiniki”, and Patrikey was not at all opposed to they operated on the Novgorod roads. In a word, by degree of cunning and deceit, he surpassed even his father.

Even Dmitry Donskoy himself planned to intervene in order to stop such an outburst. Of course, the Novgorodians eventually decided that such nonsense should not be tolerated. Novgorodians, by the way, in principle had taken so categorically with people they don’t like – what is it worth one story with Alexander Nevsky! In a word, Patrikey was expelled. However his cunning and cunning have become, one can say legendary.

There is, however, another version about the origin of the fox nickname. Some researchers believe that the matter is in the Irish! Like, the red color is a kind of symbol of representatives of this nationality. Like Saint Patrick, from whom, in fact, the nickname Patrikeevna came from. However, it is worth noting that this version is not true. The fact is that the fox was called “Patrikeevna” even before the fact that in Rus’, in principle, they learned about the existence of the Irish.

What qualities did the fox give her this nickname

So, why did the fox cunning become be associated with cunning Lithuanian prince, why is she so remarkable?

• Understanding why the fox is called Patrikeevna, the first thing to note is that she constantly resorts to tricks during the hunt. So, if a red-haired cheat stumbles upon, for example, wood grouses on the current, she will not immediately rush to attack them. Because she, most likely, will not even have time to grab the birds by the tails. But attacking suddenly and at close range is not a bad idea! Therefore, the fox pretends that it is just walking nearby and is not at all interested in any capercaillie. But as soon as the bird loses its vigilance, the fox passing nearby will immediately react to this.
• Hiding from enemies, this animal knows how to confuse the tracks. Of course, acute hearing, smell and vision also help out, but cunning also plays a role. So, if a fox is pursued by dogs, if possible, it will jump out onto the roadway – there its trail will quickly be lost.
• The fox has learned that the smell of iron portends problems, so it bypasses it, as they say, “for a kilometer.” What is this, if not a cunning developed over the years, caution? However, at the same time, the fox will not refuse to visit near the human dwelling – there is definitely something to profit from there.
• Playing dead is easy! If necessary, the fox will easily do this in the hope that the enemy will leave her. Moreover, the cheat does it so skillfully that the truth confuses the pursuer.
• The struggle for living space with a badger is the subject of a separate discussion. Foxes really like the holes that badgers equip for themselves. But how to force the owner of the house to leave it? It is very simple – to relieve the need right next to you. Clean badgers usually cannot stand such rudeness, and proudly leave. And that’s all the fox needs!

People’s rumor never ascribes anything just like that – tested for centuries! By all means behind each characteristic lie apt observations, the significance of which we can forget in time. But those interesting to know about them!