The Little Humpbacked Horse – Russia (Original Version)

Once upon a time in a distant Russian village, there lived a humble peasant with his three sons. The youngest son, Ivan, was often teased by his brothers for being simple-minded, but he had a kind heart and a gentle spirit.

One evening, their father sent the brothers to guard the wheat fields, as a mysterious thief had been stealing their crops. The eldest brother took the first watch, but fell asleep and saw nothing. The next night, the middle brother did the same. On the third night, it was Ivan’s turn. Determined to catch the thief, Ivan kept his eyes wide open.

As the moon rose high in the sky, Ivan saw a magical mare descending from the heavens, nibbling on the wheat. Stealthily, Ivan approached and caught her by the mane. The mare pleaded for her freedom, promising Ivan a reward. She offered him two magnificent horses and a little humpbacked horse with large ears and a playful spirit.

True to her word, the mare disappeared, leaving three horses behind. Ivan decided to keep the little humpbacked horse for himself and took the other two to show his father and brothers. His brothers, overcome with envy, tricked Ivan and took the beautiful horses to the Tsar, claiming the reward for themselves.

Meanwhile, Ivan and his little humpbacked horse, whom he affectionately named Konyok, became inseparable friends. Konyok was no ordinary horse; he could talk, fly, and had a clever mind. With Konyok’s guidance, Ivan set off on many adventures, determined to prove his worth.

One day, the Tsar summoned Ivan to court, having heard of his unusual horse. Impressed by Konyok’s abilities, the Tsar gave Ivan a series of challenging tasks. First, he ordered Ivan to retrieve the Tsar’s lost ring from the depths of the sea. With Konyok’s help, Ivan dived into the ocean, outsmarting the sea creatures and returning triumphantly with the ring.

Next, the Tsar demanded that Ivan capture the beautiful Firebird. Guided once again by Konyok, Ivan set a clever trap and presented the Firebird to the Tsar, its radiant plumage lighting up the court.

Finally, the Tsar, desiring the legendary Tsar-Maiden, commanded Ivan to bring her to the palace. Ivan, daunted by the task, sought Konyok’s counsel. The little humpbacked horse flew Ivan to the distant kingdom, where the Tsar-Maiden lived. With Konyok’s wisdom and Ivan’s sincerity, they convinced the Tsar-Maiden to visit the Tsar’s court.

Upon seeing the Tsar-Maiden, the Tsar was enchanted and demanded she marry him. The Tsar-Maiden agreed, but only if the Tsar could perform a feat of great courage—leap into boiling water and emerge young and handsome. The Tsar hesitated, knowing the danger.

Konyok whispered to Ivan, “You must go first, Ivan. Trust me.” With faith in his friend, Ivan leaped into the cauldron and emerged unharmed, transformed into a handsome young man. Seeing this, the Tsar attempted the feat himself but met a different fate.

The people, witnessing Ivan’s bravery and the Tsar’s downfall, hailed Ivan as their new ruler. With the Tsar-Maiden by his side and Konyok as his loyal companion, Ivan ruled wisely and justly, beloved by all.

And so, the tale of Ivan and the Little Humpbacked Horse became a cherished story in the land, celebrating the virtues of kindness, bravery, and the magic of true friendship.

The End.