Tsarevich Ivan and the Gray Wolf

Old Yelena is cackling with delight. Her skin creases up into fine wrinkles around her eyes, and her nearly toothless gums are on full display. She and I are near the very end of the tale of Tsarevich Ivan and the Gray Wolf. I have just informed her that it is obvious to me, who the real hero of this fairytale is. Tsarevich Ivan only looks like a hero – all dressed up, his golden hair gleaming; in one hand, he has the Fire Bird, his other hand is wrapped around Ksenia the Fair and he sits astride the Horse with the Golden Mane. "But, we should not forget it was the Gray Wolf who got them all for him, and why?" she asks.

"Because Tsarevich Ivan fell asleep one day and the wolf ate his horse by accident.""That is why it began, but there are other things at work here Alexi, and much you could learn about keeping your promises." I nod. Old Yelena settles herself and begins to tell the end of the tale of Tsarevich Ivan and The Gray Wolf.

"The woods around them were dark and deep and they were still many miles from home. Tsarevich Ivan clung tightly to Ksenia the Fair, and to his golden cage and his golden horse. In the dark, both cage and horse shone brightly, and no less of a prize was Ksenia herself. Tsarevich Ivan decided then, that they should all take cover among the trees, and hide, lest bandits see them passing and decide to attack.

But he was too late to prevent it, the moment he reigned in the horse, he was besieged. The bandits swarmed over him, and with their sharp knives took his life swiftly and surely. Then as one threw Ksenia over his shoulder, the second grabbed the horse and the third grabbed the cage. Together, the three bandits disappeared into the forest, leaving the body of Tsarevich Ivan to lie on the lonely forest road.

So there lay Tsarevich Ivan till day break, and soon two ravens were circling over his head. Who should come running up then, but the Gray Wolf. He bounded up and with a great leap, seized the raven's fledgling in his sharp jaws. "Fly and fetch me dead and living water, Raven," said the Wolf, and if you do, I shall let your nestling go."

The raven flew off in obedience to the wolf – what else could she do? Whether a long time passed or only a little time passed, I cannot say, but at last, the raven came back with the dead and living water. Releasing the fledgling, the Gray Wolf sprinkled the dead water on Tsarevich Ivan's wounds and the wounds were healed. Then he sprinkled the living water all over him, and Tsarevich Ivan came back to life.

“Oh, how soundly I slept!” said he. “Yes, and but for me, you would have never awakened. Three bandits killed you and took away both your treasures and Ksenia the Fair. Get on my back, quick!” And so they set off in hot pursuit and they soon caught up with the three bandits as they crossed a wide field. In a matter of moments, the Gray Wolf had torn them all to pieces, and scattered the pieces all over the field.

Once again, Tsarevich Ivan bowed gratefully before the Gray Wolf and took his leave of him, but this time for good. He rode home on the Horse with Golden Mane and he brought his father the Fire Bird and himself a bride, Ksenia the Fair.

Tsar Berendei received them with great joy and insisted on hearing the whole story from his son's own lips. Tsarevich Ivan told him of the great distances he had travelled with the Gray Wolf and of their many adventures together. The Tsar was so pleased to have his son back home with him that he then threw a magnificent ball. At this ball, Tsarevich Ivan and Ksenia the Fair were married, and they lived together in health and cheer for many a long and prosperous year."