Ivan Tsarevich And The Grey Wolf

Folktales have always been an important part of the ancient traditions. Russian folklores are one such example. They have been always loved by children and adults. There are many such Russian folklores. The most popular amongst them is the tale of Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf. This has been adapted in many other languages including English lately. A number of films have been featured on this as well. So let’s take a ride through the most celebrated folklore.

The folktale: This fairy tale has been taken from the Russian fairy tales by Alexander Afanasyev. It is the quest for a fire bird. Ivan is a very common name in the Russian folklores. He is always the protagonist of the tales and does extraordinary deeds. In this folktale, Ivan Tsarevich is the youngest son of Tsar Vislav who was very proud of his wonderful orchard. Once the king was roaming around the garden when he saw that his apples have been stolen. Enraged he ordered all his soldiers to find out the culprit. The soldiers found out a firebird who came and stole apples every night but no-one could catch him. Then the King sent his two sons to catch the bird. He said that whoever caught the bird would get half of his kingdom. However, both the princes slept during the night. The remained stubborn. Then Ivan Tsarevich requested his father to allow him. At first the king was reluctant due to his young age but then allowed him. Ivan kept awake the whole night and tried to catch the firebird when it came. However, he could only get hold of one of its feathers. But the bird never came back to steal the apples. Despite that the King grew desperate to catch the bird and announced that whoever caught and brought the bird to the king he would get half of his kingdom. The eldest two sons of the king set out on this journey. They came to a stone which said that whoever took the first road would know hunger and cold, whoever took the second road would live but his horse would die and whoever took the third road would die but his horse will live. The two brothers did not know what to do and instead chose a idle life. Ivan after persuading his father also set out on the quest. He chose the second road and a wolf ate his horse. Ivan grew very tired of walking. The wolf offered him a ride. The wolf took him to the garden where the fire bird was. The wolf told him to take the bird without touching the golden cage. Ivan went in but thought that it’s pitiful not to take the cage. When he touched the cage the bells rang and he was caught. The first king told him that he could only be spared if he brought the king the horse with golden mane. Ivan apologized to the wolf about his disobedience. The wolf carried him to the kingdom where the horse would be found. The wolf warned him against the golden bridle. However, the prince got tempted by its beauty and touched it. The brass instruments sounded and he was captured. The second king said that he will only be freed if he brought him the beautiful Helen to be his wife. Ivan confessed everything to the wolf and the wolf carried him to the castle. The wolf brought the princess out of the castle and they went back to the second king. But even wept because both of them had fallen in love with each other. The wolf then turned into a beautiful princess and went to the king. Ivan got the horse with golden mane in exchange of that. Ivan and Helen escaped in the horse. The wolf also escaped the king and reached them. Then Ivan rode on the wolf and Helen on the horse. They reached the first King. Ivan requested the wolf to change into a horse so that he can have the horse as well. Thus the wolf transformed into a horse and Ivan took the firebird. Then he thanked the wolf and cherished their friendship. The wolf dropped them from where Ivan started and left. However, Ivan’s brothers seeing him killed him and tore him into pieces. They threw him and took all his belongings including Helen with them forcefully. They threatened Helen that if she did not admit before the King that all this has been obtained by them then she would be killed. Thus they returned to the kingdom. The second son received half of the kingdom and oldest was to marry Helen. Meanwhile the Grey wolf found Ivan’s body and got hold of the two crows who have eaten it. The mother of the crows pleaded to the wolf to leave them. The wolf sent her to fetch the water of death which restored the body and the water of life which revived his life. The wolf then carried him in time to the wedding to stop it. The elder brothers were either made servants or killed by the wolf. Ivan lived happily ever after with Helen.

A tale of friendship: This folktale is a true epitome of friendship of Ivan and the grey wolf. It shows when even Ivan’s own brothers by blood betrayed and killed him, the wolf saved him. This friendship is selfless. The wolf expected nothing in return of his help. However, according to many critics the protagonist of this folktale is the grey wolf without whom the journey of Ivan Tsarevich would not have been possible. Nevertheless, the excellent bond between a wild animal and a human is remarkable.

Other Cultures: This tale has been adapted across all Cultures. However, it finds significant similarities with the Hindu folklores. The magical elements are quite analogous to the Hindu folktales. The wolf taking various forms is similar to the Hindu fairies and folklore animals taking various forms. Besides the use of medicinal waters for curing Ivan is also quite common in Asian folklores including Arabian folktales. Though this a Russian folktale but it gives us an idea that Christianity already has set it’s footprints on the Russian tradition as well. The water of death and life is a Christian belief from baptism. The main component of baptism is water. Besides water can be both destructive and life giving.

This was a tale of true friendship and valour. Hope you enjoyed the journey of one of the most common folktales of all times. Stay tuned for more such interesting facts. We will be back soon. Stay safe and never stop craving for the unknown.