Russian Bogatyr Beer Thongs

A label from a bottle of mythical Russian Bogatyr beer; brewed in Novogorod since 1887. The label depicts a battle between a Russian bogatyr and an Asiatic warrior, both on horseback. Cyrillic (Russian) text reading "Богатырь"(Bogatyr) appears in red. Additional text at the top reads, "Otbornoe" (Select), "Naturalnoye" (Natural), and "Svetloe," (denotes a lager type beer). Text below the warriors reads, "Novgorodskii Pivovarenni Zavod, 1887 g" (Novgorod Beer Factory, 1887). Additional text indicate 0.5 litres, 4.5 percent alcohol. Markings at the bottom of the label note that the product is GMO-free, conforms to Russian safety and quality standards, and urges recycling. Bogatyri are heroic characters found in mediaeval Slavic epics. They are akin to the knights-errant of Western literature. Most of the stories about bogatyri revolve around the court of Vladimir I of Kiev (958–1015). Some bogatyri are presumed to be historical figures. Bogatyri protected Russian land and people against invaders, especially Tatars. Some were attributed powers and strength which were almost divine.