The Legend of Kyiv Poster

The design on the poster was created as part of a collaboration with Kyiv-based illustrator myfabstory. This illustration, named The Legend of Kyiv, is the first piece in the Old Patterns, New Stories collection, inspired by traditional Ukrainian embroidery. This first piece represents Kyiv’s past, looking back to when the city began, more than 1,500 years ago. The illustration depicts brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv, and their sister Lybid — the legendary founders of Kyiv. According to the 12th-century Primary Chronicle — the principal historical source on the early history of Kyivan Rus' — the four siblings were Polianian Slavs whose ancestors had settled along the Dnipro River. Kyi, the eldest, gave the city his name. The illustration shows them standing together on the banks of the Dnipro River, with the "first brick" of Kyiv. Members of the Kyiv Independent community get 15% off site-wide. Join our community here. By purchasing this product, you directly support our independent journalism.