Bear Feast

Konstantin Sagalaev

This animal has many names, which are allegorical, or “encrypted.” The real name is a taboo which is just learned in childhood. It is called “uncle,” “grandfather,” “old man,” “host” as well as just “beast.” To meet it in the taiga means to challenge one’s fate and one’s own worth. People worship it, are afraid of it, treat it like a relative. All peoples who share their territories with it have dedicated entire layers of their culture to this dangerous neighbor...

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