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