By Command of the Prince Daniel

Name: By Command of the Prince Daniel
Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev

An aged queen has a son and daughter, who attract the envy of an evil witch. The witch gives the queen a ring, claiming it will ensure her son marries the right maiden. Upon growing up, the son searches for a bride, but the ring fits no one until he discovers it fits his sister. Despite her protests, he insists on marrying her. In despair, she receives advice from two beggars to create dolls and follow their guidance to escape the impending marriage. During the betrothal, the sister cleverly uses the dolls to delay entering the bridal chamber, ultimately vanishing beneath the earth. She encounters a hut belonging to a kind maiden, who warns her of her witch mother, Bába Yagá. The two maidens work together, but the witch soon arrives, suspicious of the strange smells in her home. The maidens cleverly deceive the witch, but she eventually discovers their presence and attempts to cook the sister. In a desperate bid for freedom, the maidens escape, using a series of magical items to thwart the witch's pursuit. They create obstacles, including a dense forest and a fiery sea, which ultimately leads to the witch's demise. The sisters, now free, are discovered by a man who cannot tell them apart. A clever plan involving blood reveals the true sister, leading to a joyful reunion. The brother, now reunited with his sister, finds a suitable husband for her friend, and they all live happily ever after. The tale explores themes of loyalty, cleverness, and the triumph of good over evil, while also addressing the complexities of familial bonds and the consequences of envy.

By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1864 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 2,056 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was an aged queen who had a son and a daughter, who were fine, sturdy children. But there was also an evil witch who could not bear them, and she began to lay plots how she might contrive their overthrow.

So she went to the old Queen and said: "Dear Gossip, I am giving you a ring. Put it on your son's hand, and he will then be rich and generous: only he must marry the maiden whom this ring fits."

What this Textopian page supports

By Command of the Prince Daniel is listed on Textopian as a novella by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1864 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
Date: 1864 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Romance
Length: 2,056 words
Structure: 1 section, 52 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novella by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The narrative features magical elements, a witch, and moral lessons typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical creatures and events, such as a witch and magical transformations.
Adventure — The characters embark on a journey filled with challenges and quests, characteristic of adventure stories.
Folklore — The tale reflects cultural traditions and oral storytelling elements common in folklore.