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Catherine was a revered figure in Russian folklore from "summary" of Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie

Catherine's reputation as a revered figure in Russian folklore was rooted in the power of her personality and the achievements of her reign. Throughout the vast expanse of the Russian Empire, her name evoked images of strength, intelligence, and grace. She was seen as a ruler who brought stability and prosperity to her people, a leader who expanded the borders of the empire and promoted the arts and sciences. Her rise to power was itself the stuff of legend – a young German princess who married into the Russian royal family and then seized the throne in a bold and audacious move. Her intelligence and political acumen were widely acknowledged, and she surrounded herself with advisors and ministers who shared her vision for the future of Russia. Under her rule, the empire flourished, with new laws and institutions that laid the groundwork for modernization and progress. Catherine's personal life also captured the imagination of the Russian people. Her relationships with a series of powerful men, from her husband Peter III to her favorite Potemkin, were the subject of gossip and speculation. Yet through it all, she maintained her dignity and composure, earning the respect and admiration of her subjects. As a patron of the arts and sciences, Catherine was unmatched in her support for culture and learning. She founded schools and universities, promoted the work of Russian writers and artists, and collected a vast trove of art and literature. Her court in St. Petersburg was a center of intellectual and artistic activity, attracting the best and brightest minds from across Europe. In the end, Catherine's legacy was secure. Her reign had transformed Russia into a major European power, and her image as a wise and benevolent ruler endured long after her death. She was more than just a historical figure – she was a symbol of all that was great and noble in the Russian soul.
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    Catherine the Great

    Robert K. Massie

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