the symbol of the city, a bear with a pole axe in its paws. The unusual image dates back to the legend of Yaroslavl’s founding in 1010. The story goes that Prince Yaroslav was once sailing down the Volga when he noticed a strange and fierce tribe settled in a perfect place high on the banks where the Volga met the Kotorsol. The tribe had become well known for raiding passing ships and the Prince, immediately recognising the potential of the location, decided to set about taking over their village. The minute Yaroslav landed on the shore, the tribe released their tried and tested secret weapon, which had always acted as their protection, a sacred bear. In the ensuing man versus bear battle, the Prince struck the bear on the head with an axe, killing the animal and with the tribe’s most valued idol now dead, the pagans immediately fell in fealty to the Prince and let him found his new Christian city of Yaroslavl.