Ivan - Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf - Russian folk tale- Russian tales
Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf
Once upon a time there lived a Tsar Berendey, he had three sons, the youngest was called Ivan.
And the king had a magnificent garden; There grew in that garden an apple tree with golden apples.
Someone began to visit the royal garden and steal golden apples. The king felt sorry for his garden. He sends guards there. No guards can track the thief.
The king stopped drinking and eating and became sad. The father's sons console:
Our dear father, don’t be sad, we ourselves will guard the garden.
The eldest son says:
Today it’s my turn, I’ll go guard the garden from the kidnapper.
The eldest son went. No matter how much he walked in the evening, he didn’t track anyone, he fell down on the soft grass and fell asleep.
In the morning the king asks him:
Come on, won't you make me happy: have you seen the kidnapper?
No, dear father, I didn’t sleep all night, I didn’t close my eyes, and I didn’t see anyone.
The next night the middle son went on guard and also slept all night, and the next morning he said that he had not seen the kidnapper.
The time has come to go and guard my younger brother. Ivan Tsarevich went to guard his fathers’ garden and was afraid to even sit down, let alone lie down. As soon as sleep overcomes him, he will wash the dew from the grass, sleep and away from his eyes.
Half the night has passed, and it seems to him that there is light in the garden. Lighter and lighter. The whole garden lit up. He sees the Firebird sitting on an apple tree and pecking at golden apples.
Ivan Tsarevich quietly crawled to the apple tree and caught the bird by the tail. The firebird perked up and flew away, leaving only one feather from its tail in his hand.
The next morning Ivan Tsarevich comes to his father.
Well, my dear Vanya, have you seen the kidnapper?
Dear father, I didn’t catch him, but I traced who was ruining our garden. I brought you a memory from the kidnapper. This is it, father. Firebird.
The king took this feather and from that time began to drink, and eat, and not know sadness. Here's one beautiful time he thought about this about the Firebird.
He called his sons and said to them:
My dear children, if only you could saddle good horses, travel around the world, get to know places, and not attack the Firebird somewhere.
The children bowed to their father, saddled the good horses and set off on their journey: the eldest in one direction, the middle one in the other, and Ivan Tsarevich in the third direction.
Ivan Tsarevich rode for a long time or a short time. It was a summer day. Ivan Tsarevich got tired, got off his horse, confused him, and fell to sleep.
How much or how much time has passed, Ivan Tsarevich woke up and saw that the horse was gone. I went to look for him, walked and walked and found my horse - only gnawed bones.
Ivan Tsarevich became sad: where to go so far without a horse?
“Well, he thinks he’s taken it - there’s nothing to do.”
And he went on foot. He walked and walked, tired to death. He sat down on the soft grass and sat sadly. Out of nowhere a gray wolf runs towards him:
Why, Ivan Tsarevich, are you sitting there looking sad and hanging your head?
How can I not be sad, gray wolf? I was left without a good horse.
It was I, Ivan Tsarevich, who ate your horse... I feel sorry for you! Tell me why you went into the distance, where are you going?
My father sent me to travel around the world to find the Firebird.
Fu, fu, you won’t be able to reach the Firebird on your good horse at three years old. I'm the only one who knows where she lives. So be it - I ate your horse, I will serve you faithfully. Sit on me and hold on tight.
Ivan Tsarevich sat astride him, a gray wolf, and galloped off - letting the blue forests pass his eyes, sweeping the lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach the high fortress? The gray wolf says:
Listen to me, Ivan Tsarevich, remember: climb over the wall, don’t be afraid - it’s a good time, all the watchmen are sleeping. You will see a window in the mansion, on the window there is a golden cage, and in the cage sits the Firebird. Take the bird, put it in your bosom, but be careful not to touch the cage!
Ivan Tsarevich climbed over the wall and saw this tower - there was a golden cage on the window, and the Firebird was sitting in the cage. He took the bird, put it in his bosom, and looked at the cage. His heart flared up: “Oh, what a golden, precious one! How can one not take one!” And he forgot that the wolf was punishing him. As soon as he touched the cage, a sound went through the fortress: trumpets sounded, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich and led him to Tsar Afron.
King Afron became angry and asked:
Whose are you, where are you from?
I am the son of Tsar Berendey, Ivan Tsarevich.
Oh, what a shame! The king's son went to steal.
So, when your bird flew, it ruined our garden?
And you would have come to me, asked in good conscience, I would have given it away, out of respect for your parent, Tsar Berendey. And now I’ll spread a bad reputation about you throughout all the cities... Well, oh well, if you do me a service, I’ll forgive you. In such and such a kingdom, King Kusman has a golden-maned horse. Bring him to me, then I’ll give you the Firebird with the cage.
Ivan Tsarevich became sad and went to the gray wolf. And the wolf to him:
I told you, don't move the cage! Why didn't you listen to my order?
Well, forgive me, forgive me, gray wolf.
That's it, I'm sorry... Okay, sit on me. I picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong.
Again the gray wolf galloped with Ivan Tsarevich. How long or short does it take them to reach the fortress where the golden-maned horse stands?
Climb over the wall, Ivan Tsarevich, the watchmen are sleeping, go to the stable, take the horse, but be careful not to touch the bridle!
Ivan Tsarevich climbed into the fortress, where all the watchmen were sleeping, went into the stable, caught a golden-maned horse, and coveted the bridle - it was decorated with gold and expensive stones; The golden-maned horse can only walk in it.
Ivan Tsarevich touched the bridle, a sound spread throughout the fortress: trumpets sounded, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich and led him to Tsar Kusman.
Once upon a time there was a king Berendey, he had three sons, the youngest was called Ivan.
And the king had a magnificent garden; There grew in that garden an apple tree with golden apples.
Someone began to visit the royal garden and steal golden apples. The king felt sorry for his garden. He sends guards there. No guards can track the thief.
The king stopped drinking and eating and became sad. The father's sons console:
- Our dear father, don’t be sad, we ourselves will guard the garden.
The eldest son says:
- Today is my turn, I’ll go guard the garden from the kidnapper.
The eldest son went. No matter how much he walked in the evening, he didn’t track anyone, he fell down on the soft grass and fell asleep.
In the morning the king asks him:
- Well, won't you please me: have you seen the kidnapper?
- No, dear father, I didn’t sleep all night, I didn’t close my eyes, and I didn’t see anyone.
The next night the middle son went on guard and also slept all night, and the next morning he said that he had not seen the kidnapper.
The time has come to go and guard my younger brother. Ivan the Tsarevich went to guard his fathers’ garden and was afraid to even sit down, let alone lie down. As soon as sleep overcomes him, he will wash the dew from the grass, sleep and away from his eyes. Half the night has passed, and it seems to him that there is light in the garden. Lighter and lighter. The whole garden lit up. He sees that the Firebird has sat on the apple tree and is pecking at the golden apples. Ivan Tsarevich quietly crawled to the apple tree and caught the bird by the tail. The heat-bird perked up and flew away, leaving only one feather from its tail in his hand. The next morning Ivan the prince comes to his father.
- Well, my dear Vanya, have you seen the kidnapper?
- Dear father, I didn’t catch him, but I traced who was ruining our garden. I brought you a memory from the kidnapper. This, father, is the Firebird.
The king took this feather and from that time began to drink and eat and not know sadness. So one fine time he thought about this Firebird.
He called his sons and said to them:
- My dear children, if only you could saddle good horses, travel around the world, get to know places, and not attack the Firebird somewhere.
The children bowed to their father, saddled the good horses and set off on the road: the eldest in one direction, the middle one in the other, and Ivan the prince in the third direction. Ivan the Tsarevich rode for a long time or a short time. It was a summer day. Tsarevich Ivan got tired, got off his horse, confused him, and fell to sleep.
How much or how much time has passed, Tsarevich Ivan woke up, and sees that the horse is gone. I went to look for him, walked and walked and found my horse - only gnawed bones. Ivan the Tsarevich became sad: where can one go to such a distance without a horse?
“Well,” he thinks, “he’s taken it - there’s nothing to do.” And he went on foot.
He walked and walked, tired to death. He sat down on the soft grass and sat sadly.
Out of nowhere, a gray wolf runs towards him:
- What, Ivan the Tsarevich, are you sitting there sad and hanging your head?
- How can I not be sad, gray wolf? I was left without a good horse.
- It’s me, Ivan the prince, who ate your horse... I feel sorry for you! Tell me why you went into the distance, where are you going?
- My father sent me to travel around the world to find the Firebird.
- Fu, fu, you won’t be able to reach the Firebird on your good horse at three years old. I'm the only one who knows where she lives. So be it - I ate your horse, I will serve you with faith and truth. Sit on me and hold on tight. Ivan sat down - the prince sat astride him, a gray wolf, and galloped off - letting the blue forests pass his eyes, sweeping the lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach the high fortress? The gray wolf says:
- Listen to me, Ivan Tsarevich, remember: climb over the wall, don’t be afraid - it’s a good time, all the watchmen are sleeping. You will see a window in the mansion, on the window there is a golden cage, and in the cage sits the Heat bird. Take the bird, put it in your bosom, but be careful not to touch the cage!
Ivan the Tsarevich climbed over the wall, saw this tower - there was a golden cage on the window, and the Firebird was sitting in the cage. He took the bird, put it in his bosom, and looked at the cage. His heart flared up: “Oh, what a golden, precious one! How can one not take one!” And he forgot that the wolf was punishing him. As soon as he touched the cage, a sound went through the fortress: trumpets blew, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivanatsarevich and led him to Tsar Afron.
King Afron became angry and asked:
- Whose are you, where are you from?
- I am the son of Tsar Berendey, Ivan is the prince.
- Oh, what a shame! The king's son went to steal.
- So, when your bird flew, it ruined our garden?
“If you had come to me and asked in good conscience, I would have given her away, out of respect for your parent, Tsar Berendey.” And now I’ll spread a bad reputation about you throughout all the cities... Well, okay, if you do me a service, I’ll forgive you. In such and such a kingdom, King Kusman has a golden-maned horse. Bring him to me, then I will give you Zhar - a bird with a cage.
Ivan the prince became sad and went to the gray wolf. And the wolf to him:
- I told you, don’t move the cage! Why didn't you listen to my order?
- Well, forgive me, forgive me, gray wolf.
- That's it, sorry... Okay, sit on me. I picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong.
Again the gray wolf galloped with Ivan the Tsarevich. How long or short does it take them to reach the fortress where the golden-maned horse stands?
- Climb over the wall, Ivan Tsarevich, the watchmen are sleeping, go to the stable, take the horse, but be careful not to touch the bridle!
Ivan the Tsarevich climbed into the fortress, where all the watchmen were sleeping, went into the stable, caught a golden-maned horse, and coveted the bridle - it was decorated with gold and expensive stones; The golden-maned horse can only walk in it.
Ivan Tsarevich touched the bridle, a sound spread throughout the fortress: trumpets sounded, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich and led him to Tsar Kusman.
- Whose are you, where are you from?
- I am Ivan, the prince.
- Eka, what nonsense did you undertake - steal a horse! A simple man will not agree to this. Well, okay, I’ll forgive you, Ivan Tsarevich, if you do me a service. The king of Dalmatia has a daughter, Elena the Beautiful. Kidnap her, bring her to me, I will give you a golden-maned horse with a bridle.
Ivan the Tsarevich became even more sad and went to the gray wolf.
- I told you, Ivan the Tsarevich, don’t touch the bridle! You didn't listen to my order.
- Well, forgive me, forgive me, gray wolf.
- That's it, I'm sorry... Okay, sit on my back.
Again the gray wolf galloped with Ivan the Tsarevich. They reach the king of Dalmatia. In his fortress in the garden, Elena the Beautiful is walking with her mothers and nannies. Gray Wolf says:
- This time I won’t let you in, I’ll go myself. And you go back the way - dear, I’ll catch up with you soon. Ivan the Tsarevich went back along the road, and the gray wolf jumped over the wall and into the garden. He sat down behind a bush and looked: Elena the Beautiful came out with her mothers and nannies.
She walked and walked and just fell behind her mothers and nannies, the gray wolf grabbed Elena the Beautiful, threw her over her back, and ran away.
Ivan the Tsarevich is walking along the road, suddenly a gray wolf overtakes him, Elena the Beautiful is sitting on him. Ivan the Tsarevich was delighted, and the gray wolf said to him:
- Get on me quickly, as if we are not being chased.
The gray wolf rushed with Ivan the Tsarevich, with Elena the Beautiful, on the way back - letting the blue forests pass by, sweeping rivers and lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach King Kusman? Gray wolf asks:
- What, Ivan the Tsarevich fell silent, became sad?
- How can I, gray wolf, not be sad? How can I part with such beauty? How will I exchange Elena the Beautiful for a horse?
The gray wolf answers:
- I will not separate you from such beauty - we will hide it somewhere, and I will turn into Helen the Beautiful, you lead me to the king.
Here they hid Elena the Beautiful in a forest hut. The gray wolf turned over his head and became exactly like Elena the Beautiful. Tsarevich Ivan took him to Tsar Kusman. The king was delighted and began to thank him:
- Thank you, Ivan Tsarevich, for getting me a bride. Get a golden-maned horse with a bridle. Ivan Tsarevich mounted this horse and rode after Elena the Beautiful. He took her, put her on a horse, and they rode along the road.
And Tsar Kusman arranged a wedding, feasted all day until the evening, and when he had to go to bed, he took Elena the Beautiful into the bedroom, but just lay down on the bed with her, and looked - a wolf’s face instead of a young wife! The king fell out of bed in fear, and the wolf ran away.
The gray wolf catches up with Ivan the Tsarevich and asks:
- What are you thinking about, Ivan the Tsarevich?
- How can I not think? It is a pity to part with such a treasure - a golden-maned horse, to exchange it for a Firebird.
- Don’t be sad, I’ll help you. Now they reach King Afron. The wolf says:
- You hide this horse and Helen the Beautiful, and I will turn into a golden-maned horse, you lead me to King Afron.
They hid Helen the Beautiful and the golden-maned horse in the forest. The gray wolf threw himself over his back and turned into a golden-maned horse. Ivan Tsarevich took him to Tsar Afron. The king was delighted and gave him the Firebird with the golden cage.
Ivan Tsarevich returned on foot to the forest, put Elena the Beautiful on a golden-maned horse, took the golden cage with the Firebird and rode the road towards his native side.
And King Afron ordered a gift horse to be brought to him and just wanted to mount it - the horse turned into a gray wolf. The king, out of fear, fell where he stood, and the gray wolf took off running and soon caught up with Ivan the prince:
- Now goodbye, I can’t go any further. Ivan the Tsarevich got off his horse and bowed to the ground three times, respectfully thanking the gray wolf. And he says:
- Don’t say goodbye to me forever, I’ll still be useful to you.
Ivan the Tsarevich thinks: “Where else will you be useful? All my desires are fulfilled.” He sat on the golden-maned horse, and again he and Elena the Beautiful rode off with the Firebird. He reached his homeland and decided to have some lunch. He had some bread with him. Well, they ate, drank spring water and lay down to rest.
As soon as Ivan the Tsarevich fell asleep, his brothers ran into him. They traveled to other lands, looked for the Firebird, and returned empty-handed. They arrived and saw that Ivan the Tsarevich had got everything. So they agreed:
- Let's kill our brother, all the spoils will be ours. They decided and killed Ivan the Tsarevich. They sat on a golden-maned horse, took the Firebird, put Elena the Beautiful on the horse and frightened her:
- Don't say anything at home!
Ivan the prince lies dead, crows are already flying over him.
Out of nowhere, a gray wolf came running and grabbed the raven and the crow:
- You fly, raven, for the living and dead water. Bring me alive and dead water, then I’ll let your little crow go.
The raven, having nothing to do, flew away, and the wolf held his little raven. Whether the raven flew for a long time or for a short time, he brought living and dead water. The gray wolf sprinkled dead water on the wounds of Ivan Tsarevich, the wounds healed; sprinkled him with living water - Ivan the prince came to life.
- Oh, I slept soundly!..
“You slept soundly,” says the gray wolf. “If it weren’t for me, I wouldn’t have woken up at all.” Your brothers killed you and took away all your loot. Hurry up and sit on me!
They galloped in pursuit and overtook both brothers. Then the gray wolf tore them to pieces and scattered the pieces across the field.
Ivan Tsarevich bowed to the gray wolf and said goodbye to him forever. Ivan the prince returned home on a golden-maned horse and brought it to his father
Zhar is a bird, and for himself a bride, Elena the Beautiful.
Tsar Berendey was delighted and began to ask his son. Ivan the prince began to tell how the gray wolf helped him get his prey, and how his brothers killed him, sleepy, and how the gray wolf tore them to pieces. Tsar Berendey grieved and was soon consoled. And Ivan the Tsarevich married Elena the Beautiful, and they began to live - to live and not know grief. That's
Once upon a time there lived a Tsar Berendey, he had three sons, the youngest was called Ivan.
And the king had a magnificent garden; There grew in that garden an apple tree with golden apples.
Someone began to visit the royal garden and steal golden apples. The king felt sorry for his garden. He sends guards there. No guards can track the thief.
The king stopped drinking and eating and became sad. The father's sons console:
- Our dear father, don’t be sad, we ourselves will guard the garden.
The eldest son says:
- Today is my turn, I’ll go guard the garden from the kidnapper.
The eldest son went. No matter how much he walked in the evening, he didn’t track anyone, he fell down on the soft grass and fell asleep.
In the morning the king asks him:
“Come on, won’t you make me happy: have you seen the kidnapper?”
- No, dear father, I didn’t sleep all night, I didn’t close my eyes, and I didn’t see anyone.
The next night the middle son went on guard and also slept all night, and the next morning he said that he had not seen the kidnapper.
The time has come to go and guard my younger brother. Ivan Tsarevich went to guard his fathers’ garden and was afraid to even sit down, let alone lie down. As soon as sleep overcomes him, he will wash the dew from the grass, sleep and away from his eyes. Half the night has passed, and it seems to him that there is light in the garden. Lighter and lighter. The whole garden lit up. He sees the Firebird sitting on an apple tree and pecking at golden apples. 
Ivan Tsarevich quietly crawled to the apple tree and caught the bird by the tail. The firebird perked up and flew away, leaving only one feather from its tail in his hand. The next morning Tsarevich Ivan comes to his father. “Well, my dear Vanya, have you seen the kidnapper?”
- Dear father, I didn’t catch him, but I traced who was ruining our garden. I brought you a memory from the kidnapper. This, father, is the Firebird.
The king took this feather and from that time began to drink and eat and not know sadness. So one fine time he thought about this Firebird.
He called his sons and said to them:
- My dear children, if only you could saddle good horses, travel around the world, get to know places, and not attack the Firebird somewhere. 
The children bowed to their father, saddled the good horses and set off on the road - the road: the eldest in one direction, the middle one in the other, and Ivan Tsarevich in the third direction. 
Ivan Tsarevich rode for a long time or a short time. It was a summer day. Ivan Tsarevich got tired, got off his horse, confused him, and fell to sleep.
How much or how much time has passed, Ivan Tsarevich woke up and saw that the horse was gone. I went to look for him, walked and walked and found my horse - only gnawed bones. Ivan Tsarevich became sad: where to go so far without a horse? 
“Well,” he thinks, “he’s taken it - there’s nothing to do.” And he went on foot.
He walked and walked, tired to death. He sat down on the soft grass and sat sadly.
Out of nowhere, a gray wolf runs towards him:
- What, Ivan Tsarevich, are you sitting there sad and hanging your head?
- How can I not be sad, gray wolf? I was left without a good horse.
- It was I, Ivan Tsarevich, who ate your horse... I feel sorry for you! Tell me why you went into the distance, where are you going?
- My father sent me to travel around the world to find the Firebird. 
- Fu, fu, you won’t be able to reach the Firebird on your good horse at three years old. I'm the only one who knows where she lives. So be it - I ate your horse, I will serve you with faith and truth. Sit on me and hold on tight.
Ivan Tsarevich sat astride him, a gray wolf, and galloped off - letting the blue forests pass his eyes, sweeping the lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach the high fortress?
In a certain kingdom, in a certain state, there lived Tsar Demyan. He had three sons: Peter Tsarevich, Vasily Tsarevich and Ivan Tsarevich. And the king had a garden so rich that better than that a garden cannot be found in any kingdom. Various expensive trees grew in that garden, and there was one apple tree there that bore golden apples. The king took great care of these apples and kept count of them every morning. So the king began to notice that someone began to dawn his garden at night. In the evening, on his favorite apple tree, the best apple hangs, pours, and in the morning it’s gone. And no guards could watch out for the thief. Every morning, again and again, the king did not count the apples on his favorite apple tree. Out of grief, he stopped drinking, eating and sleeping, and then called his sons to him and told them: “That’s it, my dear sons!” Whoever of you is able to watch out and catch a thief in my garden, to him during my lifetime I will give half of the kingdom, and after death I will give up everything.
The sons promised, and Peter Tsarevich was the first to go on guard. No matter how much he walked in the evening, he did not see anyone, and then he sat down on the soft grass under an apple tree with golden apples, and fell asleep. And the apples on the apple tree disappeared again.
In the morning the king asks him:
Well, my dear son, can you please me with something? Have you seen the thief?
No, sir! I didn’t sleep all night and didn’t see anyone. And I can’t imagine how the apples disappeared.
The king sees - an elusive thief. He became even more saddened. But he relied on his second son.
The next night Vasily Tsarevich went on guard. He sat down under an apple tree and began to see if there was anyone in the bushes. And when the dead of night came, I fell asleep so soundly that I couldn’t see or hear anything. And again there were countless apples.
In the morning the king asks him:
Well, my dear son, what will you do to please me? Did you see the thief or not?
No, sir! I watched with all zeal, I didn’t close my eyes, but I didn’t see anyone and I don’t know how the golden apples disappeared.
The king was even more saddened. On the third night, Ivan Tsarevich went into the garden to keep watch. He began to walk around the apple tree, afraid to even sit down, lest he fall asleep. One watches, then another and another. If you want to sleep, the dew will wash your eyes. Half the night passed, and suddenly something lit up in the distance. The light flew straight at him, and the garden became as bright as day. It was the Firebird that flew in, sat on the apple tree and began to pluck golden apples. Ivan Tsarevich hid, crept up, contrived and grabbed her by the tail. And the Firebird began to be so torn that, no matter how tightly Ivan Tsarevich held it, it still broke free and flew away, leaving only one feather from its tail in his hand.
In the morning, as soon as the king woke up, Ivan Tsarevich went to him, told him what kind of thief had gotten into the habit of visiting them, and showed him the feather of the Firebird. The king was glad that the youngest son managed to at least get a pen, and hid it in his chambers. From then on, the Firebird did not fly into the garden, and the king began to eat, drink, and sleep. But he admired the feather, thought and thought about the Firebird, and decided to send his sons after her. He called them to him and said:
That's it, my dear sons! You should bridle good horses, travel around the world, find the Firebird and bring her to me, otherwise she will again start flying to us and stealing apples.
The eldest sons bowed to their father, got ready for the journey, saddled their good horses, put on heroic armor and rode out into the open field to look for the Firebird, but the Tsar, due to his youth, did not let Ivan Tsarevich leave him. Ivan Tsarevich began to tearfully beg him and finally begged him. He sits on the heroic horse and rides, whether it’s long or short - soon the fairy tale is told, but not soon the deed is done. Finally he reached Rosstan, and from Rosstan there are three roads, and there is a stone pillar there, and on that pillar it is written:
"Whoever goes straight from this pillar will be hungry and cold; whoever goes to right side, will be healthy and alive, but the horse is dead; and who will go to left side, he himself will be killed, but the horse will live."
Ivan Tsarevich read this inscription, thought for a long time about which road to decide to take, and finally went to the right side in order to remain alive himself. He rode for a day, rode another and a third, and came to a dense forest. It became dark in the yard - suddenly a large gray wolf jumped out from behind the bushes and rushed at Ivan Tsarevich’s horse. Before the prince had time to grab his sword, the wolf tore the horse in two and disappeared again into the bushes.
Ivan Tsarevich became sad - what could he do without a good horse - and went on foot. A day passed, and another, and a third, and hunger began to overcome him. He was tired to death and sat down on some foam to rest. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a gray wolf jumps out and says to him:
Why are you upset, Ivan Tsarevich? Why did you hang your head?
How can I not grieve, gray wolf? Where can I get there without a good horse?
You yourself chose this path. But I feel sorry for you. Tell me, where are you going, where are you going?
The Tsar Father sent me to get him the Firebird, who was stealing golden apples from us.
Yes, you would never be able to gallop to the Firebird on your good horse forever and ever. I'm the only one who knows where she lives. Better sit on me and hold on tight. I killed your good horse, now I will serve you faithfully.
Ivan Tsarevich sat on a gray wolf. How the wolf will rush as fast as he can. It lets valleys and mountains pass between its legs, and covers its tracks with its tail. Whether it takes a long time or a short time, they arrive at the stone wall. The wolf stopped and said: - Well, Ivan Tsarevich! Get over this wall. There is a garden behind the wall, and in that garden there is a Firebird in a golden cage. The sentries are all asleep, take the Firebird, but don’t touch the golden cage, otherwise there will be trouble.
Prince Ivan listened to the gray wolf, climbed over the stone wall, went down into the garden and saw the Firebird in a golden cage. He took the bird out of the cage and was about to go back, but then he thought about it: “Why did I take the Firebird without a cage, why should I carry it in my bosom? And the cage is expensive, all strewn with diamonds.” He forgot what the gray wolf told him, turned back and just grabbed the golden cage - when suddenly there was a knocking and ringing throughout the garden. From that cage there were hidden strings with all sorts of bells and rattles.
The watchmen woke up, ran into the garden, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich, twisted his hands and brought him to their king Afron. Tsar Afron became very angry with Ivan Tsarevich and shouted at him:
Who are you? From which land? What father is your son and what is your name?
Ivan Tsarevich answers him:
I am the son of Tsar Demyan, and my name is Ivan Tsarevich. Your Firebird got into the habit of flying into our garden and destroying our garden. Every night she plucked golden apples from Tsar Demyan, my father, from his favorite apple tree. So my parent sent me to find the Firebird and bring it to him.
And you, Ivan Tsarevich,” Tsar Afron tells him, “would come to me and ask for the Firebird in honor, and I would give it to you with honor or exchange it.” And now I will send messengers to all lands, to all kingdoms and spread bad fame about you that the prince turned out to be a thief. Anyway! Listen, Ivan Tsarevich! If you do me a service, then I will forgive you for your guilt and give the Firebird to you freely. Go to distant lands, to the thirtieth kingdom, and get me a golden-maned horse from King Kusman.
Ivan Tsarevich began to spin and went from Tsar Afron to the gray wolf. He told about everything that King Afron told him.
“Why, Ivan Tsarevich,” the gray wolf told him, “didn’t you listen to my order?” I told you - don’t take the cage, there will be trouble.
“I am guilty before you, forgive me,” Tsarevich Ivan said to the wolf.
Well, okay, sit on me, on the gray wolf, and hold on tight, I’ll quickly take you where you need to go.
Ivan Tsarevich sat on the wolf's back, and the gray wolf rushed off like the wind. It lets valleys and mountains pass between its legs, and covers its tracks with its tail. How long or short did he run, and at night he came running to the kingdom of King Kusman. The wolf stopped in front of the white stone royal stables and said to Ivan Tsarevich:
Climb, Ivan Tsarevich, over the wall, take the golden-maned horse and run. Just look, there’s a golden bridle hanging there, don’t touch it, you’ll get into trouble again.
Ivan Tsarevich climbed over the stone wall and crept into the white stone stables. All the watchmen were asleep, the prince took the horse by the mane and went back with him, but saw a golden bridle on the wall. “It’s not right to lead a horse without a bridle; we need to take a bridle,” thought Ivan Tsarevich. He had just touched the bridle when suddenly thunder and ringing began throughout all the stables. The guard grooms woke up, ran, grabbed Tsarevich Ivan and led him to Tsar Kusman. King Kusman began to ask him:
Who are you? From which land and from which father is the son? What's your name? And how dare you steal my horse?
Ivan Tsarevich answered him:
I am the son of Tsar Demyan, and my name is Ivan Tsarevich.
Ah, Ivan Tsarevich! - said King Kusman. -Is this a matter of an honest knight? You would have come to me and asked for a golden-maned horse, and I would have given it to you out of respect for your father. And now I will send messengers to all states to announce to everyone that the king’s son turned out to be a thief. Well, okay, Ivan Tsarevich! If you do me a service, then I will forgive you this guilt and I will give you the golden-maned horse myself. Go to distant lands, to the thirtieth state, to King Dalmatus, and bring me his daughter, Princess Elena the Beautiful.
Ivan Tsarevich left the royal chambers and wept bitterly. He came to the gray wolf and told everything that happened to him.
Why, Ivan Tsarevich, - the gray wolf said to him, - didn’t listen to my words, why did you take the golden bridle? I, the gray wolf, have all the trouble, but you are just causing mischief!
“I’m guilty before you again,” said Ivan Tsarevich, “forgive me this time too.”
Well, okay, I took up the tug, don’t say it’s not hefty. Sit on me, on the gray wolf, and hold on tight, let's go find Elena the Beautiful.
Ivan Tsarevich sat on the gray wolf's back, and the wolf rushed off like the wind. It lets valleys and mountains pass between its legs, and covers its tracks with its tail. Finally he ran to the state of the king of Dalmatia to the garden behind the golden lattice.
Well, Ivan Tsarevich! This time I won’t let you into the garden, but rather I’ll go and get Elena the Beautiful myself. Now get off me, from the gray wolf, go back along the same road and wait for me in an open field under a green oak tree.
Ivan Tsarevich went where he was told, and the gray wolf waited until the dark night, jumped over the bars and sat down in the bushes. In the morning I began to wait to see if Princess Elena the Beautiful would come out. I waited all day, only in the evening Elena the Beautiful with her nannies, mothers, and neighboring noblewomen went out into the green garden for a walk and to breathe clean air. Yes, picking flowers, she went to the bush where the gray wolf was hiding. He grabbed Elena the Beautiful, threw her on his back, jumped over the bars and ran with her, only he was seen. He ran into an open field under a green oak tree, where Ivan Tsarevich was waiting for him, and said to him:
Hurry up and sit down with Elena the Beautiful on me, otherwise there will be no chase. Ivan Tsarevich took Elena the Beautiful in his arms, sat on a gray wolf, and they rushed as fast as they could. And the nannies, mothers, and neighboring noblewomen gasped and screamed, the tsar came running and could not make out what had happened. And when he sorted it out, he called all the hunters and hounds and set off in pursuit of the wolf. But no matter how much the messengers chased, they could not overtake the gray wolf and turned back with nothing.
Elena the Beautiful opened her eyes and saw that she was being held in her arms by a young and beautiful knight. Both of them, riding gray wolf, could not tear themselves away from each other and fell deeply in love with each other.
When the gray wolf ran to the state of King Kusman, the prince became sad and began to shed burning tears. The wolf asked him:
What are you, Ivan Tsarevich, sad about, why are you crying?
How can I, gray wolf, not cry, not be destroyed? I fell in love with Princess Elena the Beautiful, how can I part with such beauty?
What to do? The wolf looked at them and said:
I have served you a lot, Ivan Tsarevich, I will serve you this service too, I will not separate you from such beauty. I'll have to pass for Elena the Beautiful. I will hit the ground, turn into a queen, and you lead me to King Kusman. And let Elena the Beautiful wait under that oak tree. Then you bring a golden-maned horse and ride little by little. I'll catch up with you later.
They left Elena the Beautiful under the oak tree, the wolf hit the damp ground and became exactly the beautiful Queen Elena. Ivan Tsarevich took it and went to the palace to Tsar Kusman. The Tsar was delighted, ordered the golden-maned horse to be brought out to Tsarevich Ivan, and gave him a bridle to boot. Ivan Tsarevich took the golden-maned horse and followed Helen the Beautiful. He put her on a horse, and they rode to the kingdom of King Afron.
And King Kusman arranged a magnificent wedding. In the palace, oak tables were laid with sugar dishes and honey drinks. They raised their cups, began to congratulate the young people, and began to shout “bitterly”. King Kusman should have kissed his young wife. He bent down, and instead of the beautiful lips of Elena the Beautiful, his lips came across the bristly muzzle of a wolf. The king jumped back, screamed at the top of his lungs, and the wolf walked out the window, and that was it.
The gray wolf caught up with Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful and said:
Sit down, Ivan Tsarevich, on me, on the gray wolf, and let the beautiful princess ride on a horse with a golden mane.
Ivan Tsarevich mounted a gray wolf, and they went their own way. A little before reaching the kingdom of Tsar Afron, Ivan Tsarevich began to spin again. The wolf asks him again:
What are you thinking about, Ivan Tsarevich?
How can I not think about it? It’s a pity for me to part with the golden-maned horse. It's a pity to change it to the Firebird. But I can’t help but give it up, King Afron will glorify me in all states.
Don't be sad, Ivan Tsarevich! I will help you now too. I swore to serve you faithfully. I will turn into a golden-maned horse, and you will take me to the king.
They hid Helen the Beautiful and a golden-maned horse in the forest, the wolf hit the damp ground - and became a golden-maned horse. Ivan Tsarevich sat on it and rode to the palace to Tsar Afron. King Afron came out of his chambers, met the prince in the wide courtyard, took him by the right hand and led him into the white stone chambers. He began to call him to have some bread and salt, but Ivan Tsarevich was in a hurry to see Helen the Beautiful, and Tsar Afron handed him the Firebird in a golden cage. The prince accepted the cage, went on foot into the forest, sat there with Elena the Beautiful on a golden-maned horse, took the Firebird and rode to his native land.
And the next day King Afron decided to ride his golden-maned horse in an open field. We went hunting, reached the forest, made a round-up and began to hunt down the animals. And suddenly a fox appeared. All the hunters rushed after her. But she ran quickly, and the hunters began to lag behind her. Only King Afron on his golden-maned horse rushed so fast that he was ahead of everyone.
And suddenly everyone saw how King Afron’s horse stumbled and disappeared, and a gray wolf burst out from under the king’s feet. Then King Afron hit his head on the ground with all his might and got stuck up to his shoulders. The servants arrived, somehow pulled him out, began to go around the wolf and make a roundup, but there was no trace of the wolf.
He overtook the golden-maned horse, Ivan Tsarevich mounted it, and they rode home. When the gray wolf brought Ivan Tsarevich to the place where he tore his horse to pieces, he stopped and said:
Well, Ivan Tsarevich! At this place I tore your horse apart and took you to this place. I am no longer your servant.
Ivan Tsarevich bowed to the wolf three times to the ground, and the gray wolf said to him:
Don’t say goodbye to me forever, I’ll still be useful to you.
Ivan Tsarevich thought: “Where else can you be useful, I don’t need anything else.” He mounted a golden-maned horse, seated Elena the Beautiful, took the cage with the Firebird and set off on his way. How long or short did they travel and, before reaching the kingdom of Tsar Demyan, they stopped and lay down to rest. As soon as they fell asleep, Ivan Tsarevich’s brothers ran into them. They traveled along different countries, looked for the Firebird and returned home empty-handed. They saw their sleepy brother, Elena the Beautiful, the Firebird and the golden-maned horse and said:
He hit us in the dirt in front of our father. We couldn’t keep watch for the Firebird, but he kept watch and snatched the feather from her. And now look how much I got. It will stick out in front of him. We'll show him.
They drew their swords and cut off Tsarevich Ivan's head. At this time, Elena the Beautiful woke up and, seeing Ivan Tsarevich dead, began to cry bitterly. Then Tsarevich Peter put his sword to her heart and said:
You are now in our hands, we will take you to your father, and you say that it was we who got you, the Firebird and the golden-maned horse, otherwise I will put you to death now!
The beautiful princess, afraid of death, swore to them that she would speak as she was told. Then the princes began to cast lots. Elena the Beautiful went to Peter the Tsarevich, and the golden-maned horse went to Vasily the Tsarevich. They put Elena the Beautiful on a golden-maned horse, took the Firebird and rode home.
And Tsarevich Ivan lies dead in an open field, and a crow is already hovering over him, about to start pecking. Out of nowhere, a gray wolf came running, saw Ivan Tsarevich and sat on the side, waiting for the crow to fly up. So a raven with his crows came down to Ivan Tsarevich and let’s scold him. The wolf crept up and grabbed the crow. A raven flew up to him and asked him to let his cub go.
Okay,” says the gray wolf, “let him stay with me, and you fly to distant lands to the thirtieth kingdom and bring me dead and living water.” Then you will get a little crow.
The raven flew for dead and living water. He flew for a long time or for a short time, finally he arrived and brought with him two bottles - in one there was dead water, in the other there was living water. The gray wolf took and tore the little crow in two, then folded it, sprinkled it with dead water - the little crow grew together, sprinkled it alive - it perked up and flew. Then the wolf folded the body of Ivan Tsarevich and sprinkled it with dead water - the body grew together and united, sprinkled it alive - Ivan Tsarevich came to life and said:
Oh, how long I slept!
Yes, Ivan Tsarevich! You would sleep forever, if not for me. After all, your brothers hacked you to death, and took Helen the Beautiful, the golden-maned horse and the Firebird with them. Now mount me, the gray wolf, and let’s quickly go to your fatherland, otherwise your brother, Tsarevich Peter, will marry your bride today.
Ivan Tsarevich sat on the gray wolf, and the wolf rushed him to the house. He took him to the capital city and said:
Well, Ivan Tsarevich, now goodbye forever. Go, hurry home! Tsarevich Ivan walked around the city, went to the palace, and saw that the people were dressed up in festive clothes. He asks what kind of holiday they are having.
The eldest prince marries Elena the Beautiful!
Ivan Tsarevich hurried even more to the palace, he came, they recognized him there, they ran to report to the king, and he himself followed. When his elder brother saw him, he died of fear, and Elena the Beautiful was delighted, left the table, ran up to Ivan Tsarevich, took him by the hand, and said to the king:
That's who took me away, that's who my fiancé is! - and told everything how it happened.
The tsar was angry with his eldest sons and drove them away from him, and made Ivan Tsarevich his heir. Soon they had a wedding and set a feast for the whole world. And they began to live and live well and make good money.
Artist I.Ya.Bilibin
Morality. You may be a swindler and a rogue, but if you have an all-powerful patron, then you can get away with anything.
All the best! See you again!
Russian folk tale about Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf read the text online:
Once upon a time there lived a Tsar Berendey, he had three sons, the youngest was called Ivan. And the king had a magnificent garden; There grew in that garden an apple tree with golden apples.
Someone began to visit the royal garden and steal golden apples. The king felt sorry for his garden. He sends guards there. No guards can track the thief.
The king stopped drinking and eating and became sad. The father's sons console:
“Our dear father, don’t be sad, we ourselves will guard the garden.”
The eldest son says:
“Today it’s my turn, I’ll go guard the garden from the kidnapper.”
The eldest son went. No matter how much he walked in the evening, he didn’t track anyone, he fell down on the soft grass and fell asleep.
In the morning the king asks him:
“Come on, won’t you make me happy: have you seen the kidnapper?”
- No, dear father, I didn’t sleep all night, I didn’t close my eyes, and I didn’t see anyone.
The next night the middle son went on guard and also slept all night, and the next morning he said that he had not seen the kidnapper.
The time has come to go and guard my younger brother. Ivan Tsarevich went to guard his fathers’ garden and was afraid to even sit down, let alone lie down. As soon as sleep overcomes him, he will wash the dew from the grass, sleep and away from his eyes.
Half the night has passed, and it seems to him that there is light in the garden. Lighter and lighter. The whole garden lit up. He sees the Firebird sitting on an apple tree and pecking at golden apples.
Ivan Tsarevich quietly crawled to the apple tree and caught the bird by the tail. The firebird perked up and flew away, leaving only one feather from its tail in his hand.
The next morning Ivan Tsarevich comes to his father.
- Well, my dear Vanya, have you seen the kidnapper?
- Dear father, I didn’t catch him, but I traced who was ruining our garden. I brought you a memory from the kidnapper. This is Father Firebird.
The king took this feather and from that time began to drink, and eat, and not know sadness. So one fine time he thought about this Firebird.
He called his sons and said to them:
- My dear children, if only you could saddle good horses, travel around the world, get to know places, and not attack the Firebird somewhere.
The children bowed to their father, saddled the good horses and set off on their journey: the eldest in one direction, the middle one in the other, and Ivan Tsarevich in the third direction.
Ivan Tsarevich rode for a long time or a short time. It was a summer day. Ivan Tsarevich got tired, got off his horse, confused him, and fell to sleep.
How much or how much time has passed, Ivan Tsarevich woke up and saw that the horse was gone. I went to look for him, walked and walked and found my horse - only gnawed bones.
Ivan Tsarevich became sad: where to go so far without a horse?
“Well, he thinks he’s got it, there’s nothing to do.”
And he went on foot. He walked and walked, tired to death. He sat down on the soft grass and sat sadly. Out of nowhere a gray wolf runs towards him:
- What, Ivan Tsarevich, are you sitting, sad, hanging your head?
- How can I not be sad, gray wolf? I was left without a good horse.
- It was I, Ivan Tsarevich, who ate your horse... I feel sorry for you! Tell me why you went into the distance, where are you going?
“My father sent me to travel around the world to find the Firebird.
- Fu, fu, you won’t be able to reach the Firebird on your good horse at three years old. I'm the only one who knows where she lives. So be it - I ate your horse, I will serve you faithfully. Sit on me and hold on tight.
Ivan Tsarevich sat astride him, a gray wolf, and galloped off - letting the blue forests pass his eyes, sweeping the lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach the high fortress? The gray wolf says:
- Listen to me, Ivan Tsarevich, remember: climb over the wall, don’t be afraid - it’s a good time, all the watchmen are sleeping. You will see a window in the mansion, on the window there is a golden cage, and in the cage sits the Firebird. Take the bird, put it in your bosom, but be careful not to touch the cage!
Ivan Tsarevich climbed over the wall and saw this tower - there was a golden cage on the window, and the Firebird was sitting in the cage. He took the bird, put it in his bosom, and looked at the cage. His heart flared up: “Oh, how golden, precious! How can you not take one like this!” And he forgot that the wolf was punishing him. As soon as he touched the cage, a sound went through the fortress: trumpets sounded, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich and led him to Tsar Afron.
King Afron became angry and asked:
- Whose are you, where are you from?
- I am the son of Tsar Berendey, Ivan Tsarevich.
- Oh, what a shame! The king's son went to steal.
- So, when your bird was flying, it was ruining our garden?
“If you had come to me and asked in good faith, I would have given her away, out of respect for your parent, Tsar Berendey.” And now I’ll spread a bad reputation about you throughout all the cities... Well, oh well, if you do me a service, I’ll forgive you. In such and such a kingdom, King Kusman has a golden-maned horse. Bring him to me, then I’ll give you the Firebird with the cage.
Ivan Tsarevich became sad and went to the gray wolf. And the wolf to him:
“I told you, don’t move the cage!” Why didn't you listen to my order?
- Well, forgive me, forgive me, gray wolf.
- That's it, sorry... Okay, sit on me. I picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong.
Again the gray wolf galloped with Ivan Tsarevich. How long or short does it take them to reach the fortress where the golden-maned horse stands?
- Climb over the wall, Ivan Tsarevich, the watchmen are sleeping, go to the stable, take the horse, but be careful not to touch the bridle!
Ivan Tsarevich climbed into the fortress, where all the watchmen were sleeping, went into the stable, caught a golden-maned horse, and coveted the bridle - it was decorated with gold and expensive stones; The golden-maned horse can only walk in it.
Ivan Tsarevich touched the bridle, a sound spread throughout the fortress: trumpets sounded, drums beat, the guards woke up, grabbed Ivan Tsarevich and led him to Tsar Kusman.
- Whose are you, where are you from?
- I am Ivan Tsarevich.
- Eka, what nonsense did you take on - stealing a horse! A simple man will not agree to this. Well, okay, I’ll forgive you, Ivan Tsarevich, if you do me a service. The king of Dalmatia has a daughter, Elena the Beautiful. Kidnap her, bring her to me, I will give you a golden-maned horse with a bridle.
Ivan Tsarevich became even more sad and went to the gray wolf.
“I told you, Ivan Tsarevich, don’t touch the bridle!” You didn't listen to my order.
- Well, forgive me, forgive me, gray wolf.
- Sorry... Okay, sit on my back.
Again the gray wolf galloped with Ivan Tsarevich. They reach the king of Dalmatia. In his fortress in the garden, Elena the Beautiful is walking with her mothers and nannies. Gray Wolf says:
“This time I won’t let you in, I’ll go myself.” And you go back on your way, I’ll catch up with you soon.
Ivan Tsarevich went back the way, and the gray wolf jumped over the wall - and into the garden. He sat down behind a bush and looked: Elena the Beautiful came out with her mothers and nannies. She walked and walked and just fell behind her mothers and nannies, the gray wolf grabbed Elena the Beautiful, threw her over her back, and ran away.
Ivan Tsarevich is walking along the road, suddenly a gray wolf overtakes him, Elena the Beautiful is sitting on him. Ivan Tsarevich was delighted, and the gray wolf said to him:
- Get on me quickly, as if we are not being chased.
The gray wolf rushed with Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful on the way back - he missed the blue forests past his eyes, sweeping rivers and lakes with his tail. How long or short does it take them to reach King Kusman? Gray wolf asks:
- What, Ivan Tsarevich became silent and sad?
- How can I, gray wolf, not be sad? How can I part with such beauty? How will I exchange Elena the Beautiful for a horse?
The gray wolf answers:
“I won’t separate you from such beauty - we’ll hide it somewhere, and I’ll turn into Helen the Beautiful, and you lead me to the king.”
Here they hid Elena the Beautiful in a forest hut. The gray wolf turned over his head and became exactly like Elena the Beautiful. Ivan Tsarevich took him to Tsar Kusman. The king was delighted and began to thank him:
- Thank you, Ivan Tsarevich, for getting me a bride. Get a golden-maned horse with a bridle.
Ivan Tsarevich mounted this horse and rode after Elena the Beautiful. He took her, put her on a horse, and they rode on their way.
And Tsar Kusman arranged a wedding, feasted all day until the evening, and when he had to go to bed, he took Elena the Beautiful into the bedroom, but just lay down on the bed with her, and looked - a wolf’s face instead of a young wife? The king fell out of bed in fear, and the wolf ran away.
The gray wolf catches up with Ivan Tsarevich and asks:
- What are you thinking about, Ivan Tsarevich?
- How can I not think? It is a pity to part with such a treasure - a golden-maned horse, to exchange it for the Firebird.
– Don’t be sad, I’ll help you.
Now they reach King Afron. The wolf says:
- You hide this horse and Helen the Beautiful, and I will turn into a horse with a golden mane, you lead me to King Afron.
They hid Helen the Beautiful and the golden-maned horse in the forest. The gray wolf threw himself over his back and turned into a golden-maned horse. Ivan Tsarevich took him to Tsar Afron. The king was delighted and gave him the Firebird with the golden cage.
Ivan Tsarevich returned on foot to the forest, put Elena the Beautiful on a golden-maned horse, took the golden cage with the Firebird and rode the road to his native side.
And the gray wolf took off running and soon caught up with Ivan Tsarevich. And King Afron ordered a gift horse to be brought to him and just wanted to mount it - the horse turned into a gray wolf. The Tsar, out of fear, fell where he stood, and the gray wolf took off running and soon caught up with Ivan Tsarevich.
Ivan Tsarevich dismounted from his horse and bowed to the ground three times, respectfully thanking the gray wolf. And he says:
“Don’t say goodbye to me forever, I’ll still be useful to you.”
Ivan Tsarevich thinks: “Where else will you be useful? All my wishes are fulfilled.” He sat on the golden-maned horse, and again he and Elena the Beautiful, with the Firebird, rode off. He reached his homeland and decided to have some lunch. He had some bread with him. Well, they ate, drank spring water and lay down to rest.
As soon as Ivan Tsarevich fell asleep, his brothers ran into him. They traveled to other lands, looked for the Firebird, and returned empty-handed. They arrived and saw that everything had been obtained from Ivan Tsarevich. So they agreed:
- Let's kill our brother, all the spoils will be ours.
They made up their minds and killed Ivan Tsarevich. They sat on a golden-maned horse, took the Firebird, put Elena the Beautiful on the horse and frightened her:
– Don’t say anything at home!
Ivan Tsarevich lies dead, crows are already flying over him. Out of nowhere a gray wolf came running and grabbed the raven and the crow.
- You fly, raven, for living and dead water. Bring me living and dead water, then I will release your little crow.
The raven, having nothing to do, flew away, and the wolf held his little raven. Whether the raven flew for a long time or for a short time, he brought living and dead water. The gray wolf sprinkled dead water on Tsarevich Ivan's wounds, the wounds healed; sprinkled him with living water - Ivan Tsarevich came to life.
- Oh, I slept soundly!..
“You slept soundly,” says the gray wolf. “If it weren’t for me, I wouldn’t have woken up at all.” Your brothers killed you and took away all your loot. Hurry up and sit on me.
They galloped in pursuit and overtook both brothers. Then the gray wolf tore them to pieces and scattered the pieces across the field.
Ivan Tsarevich bowed to the gray wolf and said goodbye to him forever. Ivan Tsarevich returned home on a golden-maned horse, brought the Firebird to his father, and his bride, Elena the Beautiful, to himself.
Tsar Berendey was delighted and began to ask his son. Ivan Tsarevich began to tell how the gray wolf helped him get his prey, and how his brothers killed him while sleepy, and how the gray wolf tore them to pieces. Tsar Berendey grieved and was soon consoled. And Ivan Tsarevich married Elena the Beautiful, and they began to live and live without sorrow.
