The embassy was accompanied by a strong force of these fierce warriors, who knew well how to fight, but who had become conscious that they did not know how to govern themselves.

Their message was laconic but explicit: "Our country," said they, "is grand and fertile, but under the reign of disorder.

Come and govern us and reign over us." Three brothers, named Rurik, Sineous and Truvor, illustrious both by birth and achievements, consented to assume the sovereignty, each over a third part of the united applicants; each engaging to cooeperate with and uphold the others.

Escorted by the armed retinue which had come to receive them, they left their native shores, and entered the wilds of Scandinavia.

Rurik established himself at Novgorod, on lake Ilmen.
Sineous, advancing some three hundred miles further, north-east, took his station at Bielo Ozero, on the shores of lake Bielo.