Tale of the Lykov Family's Desertion from Society, Choosing Instead to Survive in Seclusion within the Wilderness for a Span of 42 Years
Agafia Lykov: The Last Survivor of a Family Living in Siberian Wilderness
Agafia Lykov, a member of a remarkable family, has lived in isolation for over four decades in the harsh Siberian taiga. This remote forest region has been her home since 1936, when her family, the Old Believers, fled religious persecution and sought solitude to practice their beliefs[1][3][5].
Agafia's father, Karp Osipovich Lykov, led the family into the depths of the Siberian forest. They lived a primitively simple life, cut off from the world, unaware of major global events such as World War II and the moon landing[1][3][5].
In 1978, a helicopter pilot spotted a clearing on a mountain, more than 150 miles from the nearest known human settlement. This discovery revealed the existence of the Lykov family, who were living in a wooden cabin, dressed in rags, and had no contact with the outside world for around 40 years[1][3].
Tragically, the family faced losses. In 1981, three of Agafia's siblings passed away, and her father Karp died in 1988. Despite these hardships, Agafia chose to continue living alone in the remote forest, maintaining the same austere lifestyle[4][5].
Agafia's story gained wider attention through journalist Vasily Peskov, who visited the family and wrote a book titled Lost in the Taiga, describing their unique survival and isolation[1].
Agafia Lykov, now 71, made headlines in January 2016 when she was airlifted to a hospital to be treated for a leg issue. However, she returned to her forest home after recovery[2].
The Lykov family initially hesitated to accept food from the Soviet geologists who discovered them, as they had lived primarily off potato patties mixed with ground rye and hemp seeds. They eventually accepted a single gift: salt[6]. Over time, they accepted additional items, including knives, forks, handles, grain, pens, paper, and an electric flashlight[7].
Agafia's life in the Siberian wilderness is a testament to survival and resilience. Despite the challenges, she continues to live there, maintaining the same simple lifestyle that her family adopted decades ago[4][5].
Despite the lack of modern conveniences and the harsh Siberian wilderness, Agafia Lykov persists in her home-and-garden setup, maintaining the austere lifestyle that the Lykov family adopted decades ago. Her outdoor-living arrangement, though far from conventional, serves as a unique example of resilience in the face of extreme circumstances, reflecting a lifestyle unlike any other.
