The fact that the bear is a symbol of Russia is known almost all over the world. "Russian bear" is the same stable phrase as "Roman eagle" or "British lion." The bear is depicted on the emblems of many Russian cities. He is a hero of folk tales. But all these are only echoes of the mystical reverence that this beast enjoyed among our pagan ancestors. About how the cult of the bear arose in Russia, how it developed and how it influenced Russian national identity - this book.