Perun walked beside me and thumped his chest, which was covered in matted curls. He wore a fur cloak, but his thin shirt was open in front and his personal fur was on prominent display. “You see? Hair is good for place like this. Is stupid to shave.”

“Would you give the same advice to a woman?” I asked.

“Of course! Hairy woman is good. Give me beefy, hairy women.”

“I’m fresh out. But, hey, you know, that sounds like a spectacular band name. Beefy Hairy Women. Think of the logo and merchandising possibilities. Could be trendsetting.”

Perun looked distressed. “We should speak Russian. I not know what you mean.” We switched to Russian and chatted amiably in Suttung’s wake. Perun was excited about the possibility of seeing the giantesses, who might indeed be both beefy and hairy.

Hearne's characterization the Slavic god reminds me of Marvel's Hercules - a big brawny strong-man who is endearingly barbaric.