The Firebird

The tsar had a great treasure, a tree that bore delicious pears. Every night a pear was stolen from the tree, so one night he had his son, Ivan, guard the tree. That night, the magnificent firebird came. Although Ivan tried to snare it, he managed to catch only a feather. The tsar scolded Ivan for letting the thief escape and sent Ivan away to catch the firebird.

Ivan met a wolf in the forest, who agreed to take him to the firebird. He told Ivan of a wizard who had as prisoner a princess of incomparable beauty. “Do not gaze on the princess,” warned the wolf, “for her heart has been turned to wood. You will fall hopelessly in love with her, but she will not return your feelings.” Venturing into the castle alone, Ivan forgot the wolf’s warnings.

Ivan soon learned that Baba Yaga had stolen the firebird. If Ivan rescued the firebird, the wizard would grant him the choice between the firebird and the princess. Transporting him to Baba Yaga’s cottage, the wolf warned him again, “The firebird is fastened to a raven by a golden cord. Bring the firebird, but leave the cord.”

Paying no heed to the warning, Ivan departed with the firebird and the golden cord. Immediately, the raven woke up squawking, causing Ivan to be captured. Meanwhile, the wolf fetched the princess. She disguised herself as a peddler and tricked Baba Yaga. Then she rescued Ivan and the firebird.

Uncertain, Ivan debated whether to choose the firebird or the princess. The wizard attempted to turn Ivan’s heart to wood, but he was freed by the princess’s tears. Ivan granted the firebird its freedom, and it chose to accompany him back to the tsar’s castle.

Ivan’s sister poisoned him and the princess. Owing Ivan a favor, the firebird flew to the Fountain of Life for magic water to revive them. The tsar banished Ivan’s sister, and Ivan and the princess lived happily ever after.