In a kingdom, a peasant has two sons. The elder is conscripted and rises to general, while the younger is also drafted into the same regiment but is denied recognition by his brother. During a dinner, the soldier, feeling neglected, is punished for claiming kinship. Offended, he deserts and wanders into a dense forest, where he survives on berries and roots. Meanwhile, the Tsar, on a hunting expedition, loses his way in the same forest. The soldier encounters him and offers to guide him to safety. They find a hut where an old woman resides. The soldier, suspecting her of harboring robbers, discovers food and drink hidden in her home. They decide to rest, and the soldier takes the first watch. The Tsar, unaccustomed to guard duty, falls asleep. When robbers invade the hut, the soldier defends them, killing the intruders one by one. Upon waking, the Tsar is astonished by the carnage. The soldier confronts the old woman, demanding gold for her complicity with the robbers. She complies, and the soldier fills his pockets while the Tsar refuses any share, believing the Tsar has enough wealth. The soldier guides the Tsar back to the main road, where they part ways. The Tsar promises to advocate for the soldier's pardon. The next day, the soldier enters the town, receiving honors from sentries who mistake him for a general. He tips them generously, inadvertently revealing his wealth. Upon reaching the palace, the soldier realizes he had threatened the Tsar during their night together. The Tsar, however, rewards the soldier with a generalship and demotes the elder brother for his disowning behavior. The story concludes with themes of loyalty, recognition, and the consequences of pride.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1825 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Fantasy