Rurik is the name of the legendary Norman founder of the first Russian state of Novgorod.

He was a prince of the Skandinavian Vikings, or Varangians. Rurik's kinsman Oleg founded the grand principality of Kiev, and Oleg's successor, Igor, believed to be Rurik's son, is considered the real founder of the Russian Rurik dynasty; the Rurik princes ruled until 1598.