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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Any editor of Slav folk-tales starts with great advantages. Russia is a country where artistic development began very late; where popular lore was conserved with little alteration owing to the immensities of the country, the primitiveness of the people, and the punctiliousness of the compilers. The principal source for Russian folk-tales is the great collection of Afanáśev, a coeval of Rybnikov, Kirěyevski, Sakharov, Bezsonov, and others who all from about 1850 to 1870 laboriously took down from
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THE PRONUNCIATION OF RUSSIAN WORDS
THE PRONUNCIATION OF RUSSIAN WORDS
Every Russian word has one strongly accented syllable, which is marked with an acute accent. The vowels are to be sounded as in Italian. Ch to be sounded as in English. G always hard, as in ‘ g ive,’ ‘ g ot’: never as in ‘gem.’ J always as in English. Kh like German ch , or Scotch ch in ‘lo ch .’ L when hard (e.g. before a, o, u) something like ll in ‘pu ll ’; when soft (e.g. before e, i) like l in French ‘vi l .’ S always hard, as in ‘ s o.’ V as in English: at the end of words as ‘f.’ Y conson
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THE DUN COW
THE DUN COW
You know that there are all sorts in this world, good and bad, people who do not fear God, and feel no shame before their own brother. In a certain kingdom, in a certain land, there once lived a Tsar and Tsarítsa, who had one only daughter, Márya Tsarévna. But the old Tsarítsa died and the Tsar took to him a second wife, who was a witch. And the witch had three daughters, one of whom had one eye, the next two eyes, and the third had three. The stepmother could not abide Márya Tsarévna, and sent
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A TALE OF THE DEAD
A TALE OF THE DEAD
One day a peasant was going by night with pots on his head. He journeyed on and on, and his horse became tired and came to a spot in front of God’s acre. The peasant ungirded the horse, set it to graze, but he could not get any sleep. He lay down and lay down, suddenly the grave began opening under him, and he felt it and leaped to his feet. Then the grave opened and the corpse with the coffin lid got out, with his white shroud on; got out and ran up to the church door, laid the coffin lid at th
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A TALE OF THE DEAD
A TALE OF THE DEAD
Once a carpenter was going home late at night from a strange village: he had been at a jolly feast at a friend’s house. As he came back an old friend met him who had died some ten years before. “How do you do?” “How do you do?” said the walker, and he forgot that his friend had long ago taken the long road. “Come along with me: let us have a cup together once more.” “Let us go.” “I am so glad to have met you again, let us toast the occasion.” So they went into an izbá , [1] and they had a drink
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A TALE OF THE DEAD
A TALE OF THE DEAD
They had discharged the soldier home, and he was going on his road, it may be far, it may be a short way, and he at last was nearing his village. Not far from his village there lived a miller in his mill: in past times the soldier had been great friends with him. Why should he not go and see his friend? So he went. And the miller met him, greeted him kindly, brought a glass of wine, and they began speaking of all they had lived through and seen. This was towards the evening, and whilst the soldi
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THE BEAR, THE DOG, AND THE CAT
THE BEAR, THE DOG, AND THE CAT
Once there lived a peasant who had a good dog, and as the dog grew old it left off barking and guarding the yard and the storehouses: its master would no longer nourish it, so the dog went into the wood and lay under a tree to die. Then a bear came up and asked him, “Hello, Dog, why are you lying here?” “I have come to die of hunger. You see how unjust people are. As long as you have any strength, they feed you and give you drink; but when your strength dies away and you become old they drive yo
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EGÓRI THE BRAVE AND THE GIPSY
EGÓRI THE BRAVE AND THE GIPSY
In a certain kingdom, in a certain land, there was a gipsy who had a wife and seven children, and he lived so poorly that at last there was nothing in the house to eat or to drink—not even a crust of bread. He was too idle to work, and too much of a coward to thieve. So what could he do? Well, the peasant went on the road and stood pondering. At this time Egóri the Brave was passing by. “Hail!” said the peasant. “Whither are you faring?” “To God.” “Why?” “With a message from men wherewith each m
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DANÍLO THE UNFORTUNATE
DANÍLO THE UNFORTUNATE
Good Prince Vladímir had many henchmen and serfs in the city of Kíev, and amongst them there was Danílo the Unfortunate, the noble. And on Sundays Prince Vladímir used to give all his servants goblets filled with wine, but Danílo good hard blows; and on great feast days every one was sated, but Danílo had nothing. On the eve of Easter Sunday Prince Vladímir summoned Danílo the Unfortunate, and he gave him eighty score of sable skins, and he bade him sew a shúba [7] for the feast: the sable skins
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THE SORRY DRUNKARD
THE SORRY DRUNKARD
Once there lived an old man, and he was such a sorry drunkard as words cannot describe. He used to go to the drinking-booth, drink green wine, and crawl away home through the hops. And his road lay across a river. When he came to the river, he did not dally to think; but slipped off his boots, hung them on his head, and wandered at ease till he came into the middle, stumbled and fell into the water, and was heard of no more. But he had a son, Ugly Peter, Petrúsha. When Petrúsha saw that his fath
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THE WOLF AND THE TAILOR
THE WOLF AND THE TAILOR
This story is a story of the past—of the days when Christ and the Twelve Apostles still walked on earth. [12] One day they were still on their road, going on a long, long road, and a wolf met them and said: “Lord, I am feeling hungry.” “Go,” Christ said to him, “and eat a mare.” So the wolf went to look for a mare. And he saw her going up and down, and said: “Mare, the Lord has bidden me eat you!” So she answered: “Well, please do not eat me—it is not the proper thing. But I have a passport on m
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THE TALE OF THE SILVER SAUCER AND THE CRYSTAL APPLE
THE TALE OF THE SILVER SAUCER AND THE CRYSTAL APPLE
Once a peasant lived with his wife, and they had three daughters: two were finely dressed and clever, but the third was a simple girl; the sisters and the father and mother as well called her the Little Fool. They hustled the Little Fool, thrust her about this way and that and forced her to work. She never said a word and was always ready to weed the grass, break off lamp-splinters, feed the cows and ducks, and whatever anybody asked for the Little Fool would bring. They had only to say, “Fool,
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THE FOUNDLING PRINCE
THE FOUNDLING PRINCE
Once upon a time there was a Tsar and Tsarítsa who had only one son. The Tsar one day had to leave home, and in his absence a disaster befell them; the Tsarévich disappeared. They searched and searched for the Tsarévich, dragging the ponds. Not a breath nor a sound could be heard of him. So fifteen years went by, until at last the Tsar received news that in a certain village a peasant had found a child who was a wonder for his beauty and his cleverness. So the Tsar ordered the peasant to be brou
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THE SUN AND HOW IT WAS MADE BY DIVINE WILL
THE SUN AND HOW IT WAS MADE BY DIVINE WILL
The Sun is thirty times the size it appears: looks very small because it is very high up from the earth. The Sun has an apparel and a crown which would befit a Tsar, and fifteen thousands of angels of the Lord accompany him and deck him every day. And when the Sun wanes to the West, then the angels strip off from him that garb and crown which would befit a Tsar, and lay it on the throne of the Lord. Three angels remain with the Sun and make him ready, and God has consigned one hundred angels to
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THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIRDS
THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIRDS
In a certain city there was a merchant and his wife and their son, who was wise beyond his years; he was called Vasíli. Once all three were lunching together, and in a cage there was a Nightingale singing over the table, singing so woefully that the merchant could not bear it, and he said, “If there ever were a man who could really tell me what that Nightingale is saying and the doom he is foreboding, I should like to meet him: I would give him in my life half of my possessions, and after my dea
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BÁBA YAGÁ AND ZAMORÝSHEK
BÁBA YAGÁ AND ZAMORÝSHEK
Once upon a time there lived an old man and his old wife, and they had no children, and what on earth did they not do to get them! How did not they beseech God! But for all that the wife bore no children. One day the old man went into the forest to look for mushrooms, and an old gaffer met him. “I know your thoughts. You are thinking of children,” he said. “Go to the village and collect one little egg from every house and put a brood hen over them, and, what will ensue, you will yourself see.” N
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THE MIRACULOUS HEN
THE MIRACULOUS HEN
Beyond thrice-nine lands, in the thrice-tenth realm—it was not in our kingdom—once an old man and an old woman lived in great need and poverty. They had two sons, who were very young and as yet of no use for field work. So the old man got up himself, and himself did all the work; he went out and looked after the labourers, and for all that he could only earn a few pence. As he was going home one day he met a sorry drunkard, who had a hen in his hands. “Will you, old man, buy my hen?” “What do yo
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MARK THE RICH
MARK THE RICH
In a country, in a kingdom far away, once upon a time there lived a merchant, Mark the Rich; and, what with all his estates and revenues, you couldn’t count them. He lived, and was merry, and never suffered the poor man to come to his door, so ungracious was he. One day he had a dream: “Make ready, Mark the Rich, and wait. God Himself will be thy Guest!” In the morning Mark got up, called his wife, and bade her make a banquet. He covered all of his courtyard with scarlet velvet and golden brocad
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THE THOUGHTLESS WORD
THE THOUGHTLESS WORD
Once upon a time an old man lived in a village with his wife, and they were very poor: they had only one son. And when he grew up, the mother said to her husband: “It is full time that we secured a wife for our son.” “Well, go and see if you can bargain for a wife.” The old woman went to her neighbour and asked him if her son could marry his daughter. But the neighbour said, “No!” And she went to the next peasant, who also declined the honour. And she searched the whole village, and not a single
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THE TSARÍTSA HARPIST
THE TSARÍTSA HARPIST
In a certain kingdom in a certain land once there lived a Tsar and a Tsarítsa. He lived with her for some time, then he thought he would go to that far distant country where the Jews crucified Christ. So he issued orders to his ministers, bade farewell to his wife, and set out on his road. It may-be far, it may-be short, he at last reached that distant land where the Jews crucified Christ. And in that country then the Accursèd King was the ruler. This King saw the Tsar, and he bade him be seized
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THE TALE OF IVÁN TSARÉVICH, THE BIRD OF LIGHT, AND THE GREY WOLF
THE TALE OF IVÁN TSARÉVICH, THE BIRD OF LIGHT, AND THE GREY WOLF
There was once, in a certain kingdom, a certain state, where there lived Tsar Výslav Andrónovich, who had three sons: the first was called Dmítri Tsarévich, the second Vasíli Tsarévich, and the third Iván Tsarévich. This Tsar had a garden so rich that in no other kingdom was there any better, and in that garden many rare trees grew with fruits and without fruits. And the Tsar had an apple-tree which he especially loved, and on that apple-tree all the apples that grew were of gold. But it happene
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THE PRIEST WITH THE ENVIOUS EYES
THE PRIEST WITH THE ENVIOUS EYES
There was once a priest who lived in the parish of St. Nicholas. He served St. Nicholas for some years, and all his earnings were that he had neither house nor home, nor a roof over his head. So our good priest got together all his keys, and seeing the icon of St. Nicholas, struck it down, and left his parish to go whithersoever his eyes should guide him. And he went roaming on his way. Suddenly an unknown man met him. “How do you do, good man?” he said to the pope. [18] “Whither are you going?
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THE SOLDIER AND DEATH
THE SOLDIER AND DEATH
Once upon a time there was a soldier who had served God and the Great Sovereign for twenty-five whole years, and had only in the end earned three biscuits, and was journeying back home. And, as he went along, he thought: “Lord! here am I; I have served my Tsar for twenty-five years, have received my food and dress, and what have I lived for after all? I am cold and hungry, and have only three biscuits to eat.” So he pondered and thought, and decided to desert and run away whither his eyes might
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THE MIDNIGHT DANCE
THE MIDNIGHT DANCE
Once upon a time there was a king who was a widower. He had twelve daughters: each was fairer than the others. Every night these princesses went where nobody knew: it was only for twenty-four hours, and they always wore out a new pair of shoes. Now the king had no shoes ready for them, and he wanted to know where they went at night and what they did. So he made a feast ready, and he summoned all the kings and korolévichi , all the boyárs , and the merchants and the simple folk, to it, and he ask
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VASILÍSA THE FAIR
VASILÍSA THE FAIR
Once upon a time there was a merchant who had been married for twelve years and had only one daughter, Vasilísa the Fair. When her mother died the girl was eight years old. On her death-bed the mother called the maiden to her, took a doll out of her counterpane, said: “Vasilísushka, hear my last words. I am dying, and I will leave you my mother’s blessing and this doll. Keep this doll always by you, but show it to nobody, and no misfortune can befall you. Give it food and ask it for advice. Afte
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THE ANIMALS IN THE PIT
THE ANIMALS IN THE PIT
A Pig was going to church at St. Petersburg, and the Wolf met him. “Piggy, Piggy, where are you faring?” “To St. Petersburg, to pray to God.” “Take me with!” “Come along, Gossip.” So they went on together, and met the Vixen. “Pig, where are you going?” “To St. Petersburg, so please you.” So they went on together and met the Hare, who said, “Piggy, Piggy, where are you going?” “On to St. Petersburg, to pray to God.” “Very well, take me with.” “Very well, Slant-eyes, I will.” Then they met the Squ
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THE POOR WIDOW
THE POOR WIDOW
A very long time ago Christ and the twelve Apostles walked on earth. They went about like simple people, and nobody could have known that it was Christ and the twelve Apostles. Once they came to a village and they asked a rich peasant for a bed. The rich peasant would not let them in, telling them: “Over there there lives a widow who receives beggars; go to her.” So they asked the widow for a night’s rest, and the widow was poor, poor of the poorest; she had nothing at all. She had only a very l
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ILYÁ MÚROMETS[20] AND SVYATOGÓR THE KNIGHT
ILYÁ MÚROMETS[20] AND SVYATOGÓR THE KNIGHT
From the famous city of Múrom, out of the village of Karachárovo, the valiant, doughty youth Ilyá Múromets, the son of Iván, set out far into the open fields. The valiant champion met on his way the mighty knight Svyatogór; and the good youth was afraid of him; the old Cossack, Ilyá Múromets, was afraid of Svyatogór the knight. So he set his horse to browse and himself mounted a thick grey oak to avoid Svyatogór the knight. Svyatogór the knight arrived under that same stout oak, put up his white
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THE SMITH AND THE DEVIL
THE SMITH AND THE DEVIL
Once upon a time there was a smith who had a son six years old—a sturdy and sensible lad. One day the old man was going into the church, and stood in front of a picture of the Last Judgment. And he saw there was a devil painted there so terrible, so black, with horns and tail! “What a fine devil!” he thought. “I will go and paint such a devil for myself in the smithy.” So he sent for a painter and told him to paint on the doors of the smithy a devil who should be exactly the same as the one he h
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THE PRINCESS WHO WOULD NOT SMILE
THE PRINCESS WHO WOULD NOT SMILE
If you think of it, what a big world God’s world is: in it rich and poor folk live, and there is room enough for them all; and the Lord overlooks and judges them all. There are fine folk who have holidays, there are wailful folk who must moil; every man has his lot. In the Tsar’s palace, in the Prince’s chamber, every day the Princess Without a Smile grew fairer. What a life she had, what plenty, what beauty round her! There was enough of everything that exists that the soul may desire, but she
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THE TSARÉVICH AND DYÁD’KA[21]
THE TSARÉVICH AND DYÁD’KA[21]
Once upon a time, in a certain kingdom, in a city of yore, there was a King who had a dwarf son. The Tsarévich was fair to behold, and fair of heart. But his father was not good: he was always tortured with greedy thoughts, how he should derive greater profit from his country and extract heavier taxes. One day he saw an old peasant passing by with sable, marten, beaver, and fox-skins; and he asked him: “Old man! whence do you come?” “Out of the village, Father. I serve the Woodsprite with the ir
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PRINCE EVSTÁFI
PRINCE EVSTÁFI
In a certain kingdom once there lived a Tsar who had a young son—Tsarévich Evstáfi—who did not love visiting or dances, nor promenades, but only liked going in the streets and walking among the poor, the simple folk, and the beggars, and bestowing alms on them. And the Tsar was very angry with him for this, and commanded him to be taken up to the gallows and to be delivered to a cruel death. So the attendants took the Tsarévich, and were on the point of hanging him, when the Tsarévich fell on hi
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VASILÍSA POPÓVNA
VASILÍSA POPÓVNA
In a certain kingdom, in a certain country, once there lived Vasíli the pope and his daughter, Vasilísa Vasílyevna. She used to dress in male fashion, used to sit astride on horseback; shot with her gun, and did nothing like other girls; and there were very few who knew that she was a maiden. It was always thought that she was a man, and they called her Vasíli Vasílyevich. And the main reason that they so called her was because Vasilísa Vasílyevna loved vódka —a custom ill-befitting a maid. Once
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THE DREAM
THE DREAM
One day an old, old man was wandering about the earth, and he asked for a night’s shelter from the peasant. “Certainly,” said the peasant—“I shall be only too glad; only, will you go on telling me stories all night long?” “Yes, all right! I will tell you stories; only, let me rest here.” “Then, pray, come in!” So the old man entered the hut and lay down on the sleeping bench on the top of the stove. And the master said: “Make yourself ready, honoured guest. We shall have supper. Now, old man, te
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THE SOLDIER AND THE TSAR IN THE FOREST
THE SOLDIER AND THE TSAR IN THE FOREST
In a certain kingdom, in a certain State, lived a peasant who had two sons. The recruiting-sergeant came round and took the elder brother. So the elder brother served the Tsar with faith and loyalty, and was so fortunate in his service that in a few years he attained a general’s rank. Now at this same time there was a new enlistment, and the lot fell on his younger brother, and they shaved his brow. And it so happened that he was made to serve in the very same regiment in which his brother was a
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THE TALE OF ALEXANDER OF MACEDON
THE TALE OF ALEXANDER OF MACEDON
Once upon a time there lived a king on the earth whose name was Alexander of Macedon: this was in the old days very long ago. So long ago that neither our grandfathers, nor great-grandfathers, nor our great-great-grandfathers, nor our great-great-great-grandfathers recollect it. This Tsar was one of the greatest knights of all knights that ever were. No champion of earth could ever conquer him. He loved warfare, and all his army consisted entirely of knights. Whomsoever Tsar Alexander of Macedon
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THE BROTHER OF CHRIST
THE BROTHER OF CHRIST
An old man was dying, and he was enjoining on his son not to forget the poor. So on Easter Day he went into the church, and he took some fine eggs with him with which to greet his poor brothers, although his mother was very angry with him for so doing—for she was an evil-minded woman and merciless to the poor. When he reached the church there was only one egg left, and there was one dirty old man. And the lad took him home to break his fast with him. When the mother saw the poor man, she was ver
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ALYÓSHA POPÓVICH[25]
ALYÓSHA POPÓVICH[25]
In the sky the young bright moon was being born, and on the earth, of the old prebendary, the old pope León, a son was born, a mighty knight, and he was called by name Alyósha Popóvich, a fair name for him. When they began to feed Alyósha, what was a week’s food for any other babe was a day’s food for him, what was a year’s food for others was a week’s food for him. Alyósha began going about the streets and playing with the young boys. If he touched the little hand of anyone, that hand was gone:
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GOD’S BLESSING COMPASSES ALL THINGS
GOD’S BLESSING COMPASSES ALL THINGS
Once upon a time in a certain country, in a certain kingdom, there were two peasants, Iván and Naúm. They entered into a partnership and went together to look for work, and they rambled about until they came to a rich village and got work with different masters. For the whole week they kept at work and met on Sunday for the first time. “Brother, how much have you earned?” asked Iván. “God has given me five roubles.” “God gave them to you? He does not give much unless you work for it.” “No, Broth
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SHEMYÁK THE JUDGE
SHEMYÁK THE JUDGE
Once in a certain country, in a certain kingdom, there lived two brothers; one was rich and the other poor. One day the poor brother came to the rich and asked him for a horse to fetch wood out of the forest. The rich man lent him a horse. Then the poor man also asked him for a horse-collar: this the rich brother refused, and became angry. Then the poor man decided to tie the wood to the horse’s tail. And so he drove into the wood. He cut down so much wood that the horse could hardly drag it. Wh
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A STORY OF SAINT NICHOLAS
A STORY OF SAINT NICHOLAS
In a certain city, in a certain state, there once lived a merchant Nicholas with his wife. From the beginning they lived happily and were wealthy. But their chief joy was in this: that the Lord had presented them with a son, and such a beautiful son too! Sensible and wise—and the only prayer which the mother and father addressed to God and to his holy godfather St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker, was that they should endow him with happiness and long life. But, as old age crept on, they, for some re
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THE POTTER
THE POTTER
Once a potter was journeying on his road with his goods and dozed off. The Tsar Iván Vasílyevich came driving by in his carriage and said, “Peace be to you!” The potter looked up and said, “I thank you very much and wish you the same.” “Have you been asleep?” “Yes, my lord. Do not fear a man who sings songs; but fear a man who slumbers!” “You are a bold fellow, potter: I have seen very few such, and I like them. Coachman, slower! Potter, tell me, have you been long at your trade?” “Ever since my
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THE WITCH AND THE SISTER OF THE SUN
THE WITCH AND THE SISTER OF THE SUN
In a distant country, a country far away, once there lived a Tsar and Tsarítsa, who had a son, Iván Tsarévich, who was dumb from his birth. When he was twelve years old he went to the stable to the groom whom he loved, who always told him stories. But this time he was not to be told any. “Iván Tsarévich,” said the groom, “your mother will soon have a daughter, and you will have a sister. She will be a dreadful witch and will eat up your father and your mother and all their subjects. Go back home
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MÁRYA MORYÉVNA
MÁRYA MORYÉVNA
In a certain kingdom, in a certain state, there once lived Iván Tsarévich, who had three sisters: one was called Márya Tsarévna, the second Ólga Tsarévna, and the third Ánna Tsarévna. Their mother and father had died: when they were dying they bade the son, “Whoever come first as a suitor for your sisters’ hands, let them take them; do not keep them long with you.” The Tsarévich buried his parents; and, in his grief, went with his sisters to walk in a green garden. Then a dark cloud appeared in
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THE REALM OF STONE
THE REALM OF STONE
In a certain kingdom, in a certain state, once there lived a soldier who had served long and faithfully and knew all about the Tsar’s service, the reviews, and always came up to parade looking clean and smart. The last year of his service came along, and, to his ill-luck, his superior officers, great and small, did not like him, and as a result he was soundly thrashed. This grieved the soldier, and he thought of deserting. So, with his wallet on his back and his gun on his shoulder, he began to
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THE STORY OF TSAR ANGÉY AND HOW HE SUFFERED FOR PRIDE
THE STORY OF TSAR ANGÉY AND HOW HE SUFFERED FOR PRIDE
Once there was in the city of Filuyán [30] a Tsar named Angéy, who was very famous. And, in course of time, it came upon him to stand in the church at the Divine Service at the reading of the sacred Gospel by the priest, when the priest was reading those verses in the Gospel in which it is said: He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek . And when the Tsar heard this he grew angry, and the Tsar spoke: “This writing is falsely written; the word of the Gospe
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THE FEAST OF THE DEAD
THE FEAST OF THE DEAD
Some girls were out at night for the evening, and arranged for an evening party. They went out to get some vódka . There were bones lying on the road. “Ho!” they said, “bones, bones, come and be our guests: we are having an evening party.” So, they went back home, brought the vódka , and stepped in over the threshold. But the bones came and sat at the table just like men, and said to the maidens, “Now give us the brandy.” So the girls gave them brandy. “Give us bread!” So they gave them bread. T
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THE QUARRELSOME WIFE
THE QUARRELSOME WIFE
“Father, I should like to marry! Mother, I should like to marry, I should really,” said the youth. “Well then, my child—marry.” So he married, and chose a lanky, black, squinting wife. She would have pleased Satan more than the clear-eyed hawk, and it was no good frothing at anybody: he was the only person in the wrong. So he lived with her and wrung his tears out with his fist. One day he went out where audiences were being given, stood there, and came home. “Wherever have you been sauntering?”
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ELIJAH THE PROPHET AND ST. NICHOLAS
ELIJAH THE PROPHET AND ST. NICHOLAS
Once, a long time ago, there lived a peasant. He always observed St. Nicholas’ day, but never, never, that of St. Elias; he even worked on it. He used to say a Te Deum to Nicholas, and burn a taper, but never gave as much as a thought to the Prophet Elijah. One day Elijah and Nicholas were walking through this peasant’s fields, going along and surveying; and the ears were so large, so full, that it warmed one’s heart to look at them! “What a fine crop this will be!” said Nicholas. “Yes, and he’s
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THE PRINCESS TO BE KISSED AT A CHARGE
THE PRINCESS TO BE KISSED AT A CHARGE
We still say that we are clever, but our elders go and quarrel with us and say, “No, we had more sense than you.” But the tale tells that, even when our grandfathers had not learned their lessons and our great-great-great-great-grandfathers had not been born, in a certain kingdom, in a certain land, once there lived an old man who had taught his three sons reading and writing. “Now, children,” he said to them, “I shall die; do you come and read prayers over my grave.” “Very well, bátyushka ,” th
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THE WOOD SPRITE
THE WOOD SPRITE
One day the daughter of a pope, without asking leave of her mother or her father, went for a walk into the wood, and utterly lost her way. Three years went by. Now, in this wood, in which her mother and father lived, there was a bold hunter. On every holy day he used to go hunting with his gun and his dog in the dreamy forest. One day he went into the wood, and the hairs of his dog bristled up. Then the hunter looked, and in front of him there was a stump on the wood path, and a Peasant stood on
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THE REALMS OF COPPER, SILVER AND GOLD
THE REALMS OF COPPER, SILVER AND GOLD
Once upon a time there was an old man and his old wife, and they had three sons. One was called Egórushko Zalyót; [34] the second was called Mísha Kosolápy; [35] and the third was called Iváshko Zapéchnik. [36] The parents wanted to secure wives for them, and sent the eldest son out to seek a bride. He went for a long time, and saw many maidens, but he took none to wife, for he liked none well enough. On the way he met a three-headed dragon, and was very frightened. The dragon asked him, “Whithe
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CHUFÍL-FÍLYUSHKA
CHUFÍL-FÍLYUSHKA
Once upon a time there were three brothers in a family; the eldest was called the Ram, the second the Goat, and the third and youngest Chufíl-Fílyushka. [38] One day all three went into the forest, where the warder lived who was their real grandfather. With him Ram and Goat left their own brother Chufíl-Fílyushka, and went out into the forest to hunt. Fílyushka had all his own will and way: his grandfather was old, and a great stupid; and Fílyushka was generous. He wanted to eat an apple. So he
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DONOTKNOW
DONOTKNOW
Here begins the tale of a grey horse, a chestnut horse and of the wise fallow-bay. On the shore of the ocean, in the isle of Buyán, there stood a roasted ox, and behind pounded garlic: on the one side cut your meat, on the other dip deep and eat. Once upon a time there lived a merchant who had a son, and when the son grew up he was taken into the shop. Now, the first wife of the merchant died, and he married a second. After some months the merchant made ready to sail to foreign lands, and he loa
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THE SEA TSAR AND VASILÍSA THE WISE
THE SEA TSAR AND VASILÍSA THE WISE
Once a Tsar lived with his Tsarítsa beyond thrice-nine lands in the thrice-tenth kingdom. He liked to go hunting and shooting the wild beasts. One day the Tsar went out hunting, and saw a young eagle sitting on an oak; and he was just going to shoot him down, when the eagle begged him, “Do not shoot me, Tsar my master, rather take me to yourself; and at some time or other I shall be of service to you.” And the Tsar thought and thought, and he said, “How can you be of any service to me?” And agai
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THE ANIMALS’ WINTER QUARTERS
THE ANIMALS’ WINTER QUARTERS
Once an Ox was wandering in the wood, and a Ram met him. “Where are you going, Ram?” asked the Ox. “I am seeking summer in winter,” answered the Ram. “Come with me.” So they went together. And they met a Pig. “Where are you going, Pig?” asked the Ox. “I am seeking summer in winter.” “Come with us.” So they all went together. And they then met a Goose. “Where are you going, Goose?” said the Bull. “I am seeking summer in winter,” said the Goose. “Well, come with us.” So the Goose came with them. S
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THE STORY OF THE BRAVE AND DOUGHTY KNIGHT ILYÁ MÚROMETS AND THE NIGHTINGALE ROBBER
THE STORY OF THE BRAVE AND DOUGHTY KNIGHT ILYÁ MÚROMETS AND THE NIGHTINGALE ROBBER
Once in the famous city of Múrom [47] in the village of Karachárovo, a peasant lived who was called Iván Timoféyevich; he had one beloved son, Ilyá Múromets. And he sat down in a house as a stay-at-home for thirty years, and after the thirty years had gone by he began to walk on his feet mightily, and he gained great strength. Then he made himself the trappings of war and a lance of steel, and got himself a good steed, a knightly horse; he then went up to his mother and father and asked their bl
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NIKÍTA THE TANNER
NIKÍTA THE TANNER
One day, somewhere near Kíev, a dragon appeared, who demanded heavy tribute from the people. He demanded every time to eat a fair maiden: and at last the turn came to the Tsarévna, the princess. But the dragon would not eat her, she was too beautiful. He dragged her into his den and made her his wife. When he flew out on business, he used to pile logs of wood in front of the den to prevent the Tsarévna escaping. But the Tsarévna had a little dog that had followed her all the way from home. When
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THE SINGING-TREE AND THE SPEAKING-BIRD
THE SINGING-TREE AND THE SPEAKING-BIRD
Once upon a time there was a very inquisitive King who spent all his time eavesdropping at the window. There was also a merchant, who had three daughters, and one day they were talking to their father, and one said: “If only the King’s bread-bearer would marry me!” The second one said: “If only the King’s valet would cast his eyes upon me!” But the third said: “I want the King himself: I would bear him two sons and one daughter.” Now the King was listening to all this conversation; and after a f
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AT THE BEHEST OF THE PIKE
AT THE BEHEST OF THE PIKE
Once there lived a poor peasant; and, however much he might toil and moil, he got nothing out of it. “Oh,” he thought to himself, “mine is a sorry lot; I spend all my days on my fields; and then, when I look, I am starving, whilst my neighbour is lying all day long on his back, and then he has a big estate and all the profits swim into his pockets. Evidently I have not pleased God. I will get up in the morning and pray until evening, and perhaps the Lord may have mercy on me.” So he began to pra
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THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
THE JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
An archimandrite one day got up for matins; and, whilst laving his hands, saw an unclean spirit in the Holy Water, seized him and crossed him. The devil besought him: “Let me go, Father, I will do you any service I can; I will, I will!” So the Archimandrite said: “Will you take me to Jerusalem between High Mass and matins?” The Archimandrite released him, and after matins was transported to Jerusalem, and was back in time for High Mass. Then inquiries were set going how this might be, and every
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VAZÚZA AND VÓLGA
VAZÚZA AND VÓLGA
The Vólga and the Vazúza had a long argument whether who was the wiser and the stronger and the more honourable of the two. They contended and quarrelled, and could not decide it. So they resolved at last: “Let us both go to sleep at the same time, and the one which wakes up earlier and first reaches the Khvalýnsk Sea is wiser and stronger and the more honourable.” So the Vólga went to sleep, and so did the Vazúza. But at night the Vazúza got up quietly and ran away from the Vólga; she took the
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THE ENCHANTED TSARÉVICH
THE ENCHANTED TSARÉVICH
Once upon a time there was a merchant who had three daughters: it so happened he had one day to go to strange countries to buy wares, and so he asked his daughters, “What shall I bring you from beyond the seas?” The eldest asked for a new coat, and the next one also asked for a new coat; but the youngest one only took a sheet of paper and sketched a flower on it: “Bring me, bátyushka , [51] a flower like this!” So the merchant went and made a long journey to foreign kingdoms, but he could never
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THE SNAKE PRINCESS
THE SNAKE PRINCESS
A Cossack was going on his road and way, and he arrived in the sleepy forest, and in that forest, in a glade, stood a hayrick. So the Cossack stood in front just to have a little rest, lay down in front of the hayrick and smoked his pipe, went on smoking, smoking, and never saw that a spark had fallen into the hay. After his rest he again mounted his horse and went on his road. But he had gone only some dozen paces, when a flame blazed out and lit up the wood. Then the Cossack looked back steadi
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BEER AND BREAD
BEER AND BREAD
In a certain kingdom, in a certain State, there once lived a rich peasant, and he had much money and bread; he used to lend money on interest to the poor husbandmen of his village. And, if he gave corn, then it had to be returned in full in the summer; and in addition to that, for every three pecks the debtor had to work two days on the lord’s field. And one day it happened that there was a festival in the Church, and the peasants began brewing beer for the feast. But in this village there was a
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SORROW
SORROW
Once upon a time, in a wretched village, there lived two peasants, who were own brothers. One was poor, however, and the other rich. The rich man settled in the town, built himself a fine house, and became a merchant. Sometimes the poor brother had not a crumb of bread and the children (each of whom was smaller than the others) cried and begged for something to eat. From morning to evening the peasant trudged away like a fish on ice, but it was all of no good. One day he said to his wife: “I am
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IVÁSHKO AND THE WISE WOMAN
IVÁSHKO AND THE WISE WOMAN
Once there lived an old man and an old dame, and they only had one little son, and you can’t imagine how they loved him. One day Iváshechko asked his mother and father, “Please may I go and catch fish?” “What nonsense! you’re much too little yet: you might get drowned, and that would be a fine story.” “Oh, no, I won’t get drowned. I’ll go and catch you a fish: let me go!” So grandfather gave him a little white shirt to wear, with a big red sash, and off he went. Soon he was sitting in a boat and
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NEVER-WASH
NEVER-WASH
Once upon a time there was a soldier who had served through three campaigns, but had never earned as much as an addled egg, and was then put on the retired list. Then, as he went on the road marching on and on, he became tired and sat down by a lake. And, as he rested, he began thinking things out: “Where shall I now betake myself, and how shall I feed myself, and how the devil shall I enter into any service?” As soon as he had spoken these words a little devil rose up at once in front of him an
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CHRIST AND THE GEESE
CHRIST AND THE GEESE
One day St. Peter and Christ were out walking together. St. Peter was deep in thought and suddenly said: “How fine it must be to be God! If for half a day I might be God, then let me be Peter all the rest of my days!” The Lord smiled. “Your will shall be granted. Be God until nightfall.” They were approaching a village, and saw a peasant girl driving a flock of geese. She drove them to the meadow, left them there, and hurried back home. “Are you going to leave the geese by themselves?” St. Peter
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CHRIST AND FOLK-SONGS
CHRIST AND FOLK-SONGS
One day Christ and St. Peter were walking about the earth and came to a village. In one house folks were singing so finely that Christ stayed to listen, whilst St. Peter went on. He turned back and found Christ still at His post. St. Peter went on again, and looked back: Christ was still listening. St. Peter went on again and then glanced back a third time—and Christ was still listening. Then he went back and heard a splendid folk-song in the house, stayed a while, and went on to another house w
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THE DEVIL IN THE DOUGH-PAN
THE DEVIL IN THE DOUGH-PAN
Once a woman was kneading bread, but had forgotten to say the blessing. So the demon, Potánka, [56] ran up and sat down in it. Then she recollected she had kneaded the dough without saying the blessing, went up to it and crossed herself; and Potánka wanted to escape, but could not anyhow, because of the blessing. So she put the leavened dough through a strainer and threw it out into the street, with Potánka inside. The pigs turned him over and over, and he could not escape for three whole days.
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THE SUN, THE MOON, AND CROW CROWSON
THE SUN, THE MOON, AND CROW CROWSON
Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman who had three daughters. The old man went into the loft for some groats, and took them home, but there was a hole in the sack, and the groats were running and running out of the sack. The old man went home, and the old woman asked, “Where are the groats?” But all the groats had dripped out. So the old man went to collect them, and said, “If only the Sun would warm the grain, and the moon show its light on it, and Crow Crowson help me to get
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THE LEGLESS KNIGHT AND THE BLIND KNIGHT
THE LEGLESS KNIGHT AND THE BLIND KNIGHT
In a certain kingdom in a certain land a Tsar and his Tsarítsa lived. They had a son called Iván Tsarévich, and the son had an attendant who was called Katomá Dyádka [57] of the oaken-cap. When the Tsar and the Tsarítsa had reached a great age both of them became ill, and they felt that they would never become hale again. So they called Iván Tsarévich, and said to him: “If we die, always follow Katomá’s advice, and do well by him, then you will live happily; but if you do not, you will falter an
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A CURE FOR STORY-TELLING
A CURE FOR STORY-TELLING
There was once a porter in the world: he had a wife who was passionately fond of stories, and she would only let people come and visit her who could tell stories. Well, as you may understand, this was rather costly to the husband. So he began to think, “How can I cure her of this undesirable habit?” Well, one day in the winter, late at night, an old man came in frozen to atoms, and he asked to be allowed to stop the night. So the husband ran out to him and said, “Can you tell tales?” Then the pe
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The Crystal Apple and the Silver Saucer
The Crystal Apple and the Silver Saucer
There is a strong Celtic flavour about this episode. Cf. The Twa Sisters o’ Binnorie. In this story the Russian of the words sung by the piper is also in Russian ballad metre. Danílo the Unfortunate. This is a prose version of a ballad and contains a very full account of this legend. The old hag whom Danílo meets on the way is elsewhere called the Wise Woman of Kíev, an old witch with the ugly qualities generally assigned. Death. Death is feminine in Russian and occurs all through the folk-lore
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The Dream. Notes
The Dream. Notes
The izbá , or hut, always has a dvor or courtyard, access to which is gained through double gates as well as through a postern. Often the hut is raised by a flight of steps from the level of the courtyard. The izbá may have a cooling room in which to rest, so as to avoid the sudden change of air from the heated inner room; it is also a living room in the summer. Outside the dvor against the fence there is a bench ( lávka ), on which the family sits in the summer. The hut is made of logs, the fen
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Midnight Dance. General Notes to this Story
Midnight Dance. General Notes to this Story
The underworld is the home of magic. This charm, to be said by a soldier going to the wars, may be of interest. “Beneath the sea, the sea of Khvalýnsk [the Caspian], there stands a house of bronze, and in that house of bronze the fiery serpent is enchained, and under the fiery serpent lies the seven pud key from the castle of the Prince, the Prince Vladímir, and in the princely castle, the castle of Vladímir, are laid the knightly trappings of the knights of Nóvgorod, of the youthful war-men. “O
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GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Aspen. Always associated with magic. Its trembling leaves give it a weird appearance. Bába Yagá. Russian witch, also Yagá-Búra. Bábushka. The grandmother. Bárkhat. This word also means velvet. Bátyushka. Father in a general sense, meaning anybody older. Otéts is father, meaning the relationship of father and son. Birds’ milk. The Russian folk-tale expression for asking for the moon. Boyárs. This may be translated earls, but in the Russian social scale it only meant the bigger men, the seigneurs.
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