The Man-Bear is a legendary figure from the Yukagir people. The story goes that long ago there was a plague. Many became ill and died, but the shamans could not stop it. One man went to the mouth of River Kolyma to find help but eventually turned around empty-handed. By the time he tried to return, winter struck and he sought shelter to avoid freezing to death. He found a hole he assumed was a bear’s den and entered. Inside he found a large female bear who treated him kindly, allowing him to stay and giving him food. In the spring, the bear gave birth to a Man-Bear, who was…