The purpose of the study is to determine the basic prerequisites for the legitimization of political power in modern Russia. Subject of research: relationship of political myths with the process of legitimization of the Russian government. The research methodology is formed on the basis of consideration of the socio-political sphere on the basis of cultural approach, which involves the focus on political myths and traditional values. Scientific novelty is the study of paradoxical political behavior of society, which against the background of the crisis consequences in the economic and social spheres, demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the ongoing political course of the Russian government. The role of such cultural factors as values, traditions, myths in the legitimization of power is substantiated and their significance is determined. The peculiarity of the Russian socio-political space determines the complex of distinctive characteristics of the forms of legitimization of political power. It is established that legitimation takes place in the context of mythological perception of the political sphere, processes and actors. The author analyzes and proves the relationship of the "heroic" political myth prevailing in the social space with the level of approval of the authorities. In the final part of the work, the results and consequences of myth-making for the Russian society are indicated.
