Iváshko and the Wise Woman
An old couple has a beloved son named Iváshechko. Despite their concerns about his safety, he insists on fishing. His grandparents support him, providing food and encouragement. While fishing, a wise woman, seeking to capture him, initially fails to lure him with her voice. She then forces a smith to create a voice that mimics his mother’s, successfully tricking Iváshechko into returning to shore. Once in her clutches, she plans to cook him. However, Iváshechko cleverly tricks her daughter, Alyónka, into the oven instead. He escapes by climbing a tree as the wise woman and her guests feast on Alyónka. The wise woman, realizing Iváshechko is alive, attempts to gnaw down the tree to reach him, but he evades her by jumping to another tree. Desperate, Iváshechko calls upon passing geese and swans for help. After several attempts, a flock finally carries him home, where he is joyfully reunited with his parents. They celebrate his return, and the family lives happily together thereafter.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1855 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Children's Literature · 1,676 words
First lines
Once there lived an old man and an old dame, and they only had one little son, and you can't imagine how they loved him.
One day Iváshechko asked his mother and father, "Please may I go and catch fish?"
What this Textopian page supports
Iváshko and the Wise Woman is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1855 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 1,676 words
- Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Iváshko and the Wise Woman by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Iváshko and the Wise Woman?
- How does this short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a wise woman, and a moral lesson typical of fairy tales.
- Folklore — The narrative reflects cultural traditions and oral storytelling common in folklore.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and themes of family and adventure make it suitable for children.
- Fantasy — The presence of magical beings and fantastical events aligns with the fantasy genre.
Tags
Folklore · Russian Literature · Mythology · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Mentorship · Wisdom · Nature · Spirituality · Cultural Heritage · Traditional Storytelling