In the summer of 1978, geologists exploring southern Siberia discovered the Lykov family, a group of Old Believers living in profound isolation 150 miles from the nearest settlement. The family, led by patriarch Karp Osipovich Lykov, included his four adult children: Natalia, Agafia, Savin, and Dmitry. They had been living in complete isolation for 44 years, having last interacted with outsiders in 1934.
The Lykovs were members of the Old Believers, a schismatic sect of Orthodox Christianity that emerged in the mid-17th century by rejecting reforms to the liturgy. Faced with historical persecution and a desire to preserve what they considered "true Christianity," many Old Believers, including the Lykovs, sought refuge in remote forests to avoid contamination by the outside world.
The family fled into the Siberian wilderness in the 1930s, seeking refuge from increasingly violent Soviet authorities and state atheism. They survived by reverting to a primarily agricultural life combined with hunter-gatherer practices, growing potatoes, rye, turnips, and onions, and foraging for wild foods. They used primitive tools, made fire with a tinderbox, and adhered to strict dietary rules, refusing modern foods like bread.
Life in the taiga was marked by extreme hardship. A late frost in 1961 led to a severe famine, resulting in the death of the matriarch, Akulina, from hunger. The family survived on scarce resources, including bark and shoe leather. Despite their isolation, Akulina had taught her children to read and write using Old Church Slavonic.
After their discovery, the Lykovs became a subject of national fascination in Russia, documented extensively by journalist Vasily Peskov. Their story resonated with the Russian public's sense of national martyrdom and resilience.
In 1981, three of the Lykov children—Dmitry, Savin, and Natalia—died, possibly from illnesses introduced during the geologists' visits. Karp Osipovich died later, leaving only Agafia. Agafia continued to live in the taiga, largely maintaining her family's traditional way of life.
Over time, Agafia began accepting limited assistance from the outside world, including a new cabin funded by oligarch Oleg Deripaska in 2021. Her story highlights the paradox of preserving an isolated lifestyle in modernity, as she now relies on external support, including helicopter deliveries, and has become a paradoxical online personality with millions of views on videos about her life.