The novel-chronicle “Tales of Bygone Years” tells of the events of the 9th century—the beginning of the history of Kievan Rus, when the people of the Novgorod land fought against the Norman invasion. The work abounds in historical detail describing ancient peoples—their morals and traditions, daily life and culture, characters and appearance. Shown are the ways of life of both Novgorodians and Normans, with their customs, laws, and values.