Olena Chaplynska

Helena Czaplińska (died 1651), was the second wife of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, Hetman of Zaporizhian Host (r. 1648–1657). She was an influential figure among the Zaporizhian Cossacks and known as "Helen of the Steppe". Initially married to Daniel Czapliński, her influence was seen as a threat as she was suspected to betray her second husband the hetman in favor of her loyalties of her former marriage. She was famously executed for treason by her stepson Tymofiy Khmelnytsky during the absence of her spouse.

Biography According to a widespread version of her biography, Helena's original name was Motrona and she was an orphan born to noble parents. Khmelnytskyi's family employed her as a nanny for their children, and after the death of Bohdan's first wife Hanna Motrona became his concubine. Once as Khmelnytskyi was absent, his neighbour Daniel Czapliński raided his homestead, plundering it, beating the owners's son and capturing Motrona, who was later forcibly married to Daniel under the Catholic name Helena.