The Firebird – Russia (Original Version)

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom in Russia, there lived a mighty Tsar named Ivan. He had three sons, the youngest of whom was named Prince Ivan. The Tsar’s greatest treasure was his magnificent orchard, filled with trees bearing golden apples.

One morning, the Tsar awoke to find that one of his precious golden apples had been stolen. This continued night after night, with a single apple disappearing each time. Distressed, the Tsar called upon his three sons to discover the thief and promised a great reward to the one who could catch the culprit.

The eldest son took the first watch. As night fell, he sat beneath the apple tree but soon fell asleep. In the morning, another apple was missing. The next night, the middle son took his turn, but he too succumbed to sleep, and another apple vanished.

Finally, it was Prince Ivan’s turn to keep watch. Determined to stay awake, he sat beneath the tree, clutching his bow and arrow. As midnight approached, a dazzling light illuminated the orchard, and Ivan beheld the legendary Firebird. Its plumage glowed with fiery reds, oranges, and golds, lighting up the night as it swooped down to pluck an apple.

Astonished by the bird’s beauty, Ivan hesitated for a moment but then drew his bow and shot an arrow. The arrow did not strike the Firebird, but a single glowing feather fell from its tail as it flew away.

In the morning, Ivan presented the feather to his father. The Tsar was both amazed and troubled, for the feather was a wondrous treasure, but it was said that the Firebird could bring both fortune and misfortune. Eager to have the creature itself, the Tsar commanded his sons to set out on a quest to capture the Firebird.

The eldest and middle sons soon abandoned their quest, but Prince Ivan, brave and determined, journeyed far and wide in pursuit of the Firebird. Along the way, he met a wise and mysterious wolf who spoke to him.

“I know what you seek, Prince Ivan,” said the wolf. “The journey is perilous, but I will help you. Do not touch the cage if you find the Firebird, or you will face great danger.”

With the wolf’s guidance, Ivan traveled to a distant kingdom where the Firebird was kept in a golden cage. Overcome by its beauty, Ivan could not resist reaching for the cage, and immediately alarms rang out. He was captured by the king of that land, who demanded that Ivan complete a series of impossible tasks as punishment.

With the help of the wolf, Ivan accomplished each task. He retrieved a horse with a golden mane and won the heart of a beautiful princess named Vasilisa. In gratitude, the king finally allowed Ivan to take the Firebird.

As Ivan returned to his father’s kingdom with the Firebird, Vasilisa, and the golden-maned horse, he was ambushed by his envious brothers, who left him for dead. But the loyal wolf revived Ivan with enchanted water.

Prince Ivan returned home in triumph, revealing the treachery of his brothers. The Tsar, overjoyed by his son’s bravery and the treasures he brought back, forgave his elder sons but named Ivan his heir.

The kingdom prospered, the Firebird’s presence bringing light and joy, while Prince Ivan and Princess Vasilisa ruled wisely and happily. The tale of Prince Ivan and the Firebird became a story of courage, loyalty, and the enduring power of good over evil.

The End.