"Perya the Bogatyr" — a Komi tale about freedom worth more than gold — in a new episode of "The Faraway Kingdom"

A new episode of the National Centre RUSSIA animated project "The Book of Russian Fairy Tales: The Faraway Kingdom" ("The Thrice-Ninth Tsardom") has been released on the Centre's social media pages. The episode tells the story of Perya, a hunter who lived by the Lupya River — a strongman whose speed and strength could be matched only by the wind. The forest was his home, and freedom was his greatest treasure. The episode takes viewers to the Komi Republic, a land of dense forests where bogatyrs do not seek glory, but live by their own will.

When the fierce forest spirit, the vorsa, overpowered the village, Perya set out alone on its trail to defend his native land. The forest spirit tried to outwit him, but the bogatyr proved more cunning. And when a steppe horde attacked the prince's city, it was Perya who crushed the enemy. Impressed by the bogatyr's strength, the prince decided to keep him in his service with gold and lands. Did Perya agree to serve in exchange for generous gifts?

The visual style of the episode is inspired by the work of artists who devoted their art to the myths of the Komi people: a restrained palette of the northern forest, clear outlines, ornamental motifs of pas signs and monumental silhouettes of heroes that seem to have stepped out of ancient legends.

Watch the new episode now and find out what Perya asked for instead of gold and lands — and why it proved more valuable than any treasure.