Feodor I of Russia - Definition and Overview

Feodor I Ivanovich (May 31, 1557 - January 6/7, 1598) was the last Riurikid Tsar of Russia (1584 - 1598), son of Ivan the Terrible and Anastasia Romanovna. He is known as Feodor the Bellringer in consequence of his inclination to travel the land and ring the bells at churches.

Feodor, reputedly mentally retarded, took little interest in politics. He was of pious characher and spent most of his time in prayers. Having inherited a land devastated by the excesses of his father Ivan the Terrible, he left the task of governing the country to his able brother-in-law, Boris Godunov. When his only daughter died in infancy, the tsar approached a state of mental breakdown. His failure to procreate brought an end to the centuries-old dynasty and led Russia into the Time of Troubles.