The Story of the Brave and Doughty Knight Ilyá Múromets and the Nightingale Robber

The Story of the Brave and Doughty Knight Ilyá M

In a village near the city of Múrom, a peasant named Iván Timoféyevich has a son, Ilyá Múromets, who remains bedridden for thirty years. After gaining strength, he sets out to the city of Kíev to seek the prince's blessing. On his journey, he encounters a band of robbers who attempt to steal his horse. Demonstrating his might, Ilyá intimidates them into submission without bloodshed and continues on his way. Upon reaching the city of Sébezh, he confronts three foreign princes besieging the city. Ilyá defeats their army, capturing the princes and earning the gratitude of the citizens. He then travels to Chernígov, where he faces a vast Saracen army threatening the city. With courage, he defeats the Saracens, saving the city and receiving a warm welcome from its prince. Continuing his journey, Ilyá approaches the territory of the Nightingale Robber, a notorious figure who has terrorized the region with his deadly whistle. Undeterred, Ilyá confronts the robber, ultimately shooting him down from his nest. He ties the defeated robber to his horse and heads to Kíev. Along the way, he encounters the robber's daughters, who mistakenly believe he is bringing their father back with treasure. They send their husbands to confront Ilyá, but the Nightingale Robber advises them to seek peace instead. Upon arriving in Kíev, Ilyá presents the captured robber to the prince, who initially doubts his tale. However, other knights confirm Ilyá's deeds. The prince rewards him, but Ilyá insists on hearing the Nightingale Robber's whistle. When the robber whistles, he deafens the knights, leading to his execution by Ilyá. Ilyá then forms a bond with fellow knights Dobrýnya Nikítich and Alyósha Popóvich. They embark on a quest but soon learn of a new threat: Ídolishche, a giant who poses a significant danger to Kíev. Disguised as a beggar, Ilyá returns to the prince's palace to gather information. He witnesses Ídolishche's gluttony and bravado, which leads to a confrontation. Ilyá reveals his identity and challenges Ídolishche, ultimately defeating him with a single blow. The prince honors Ilyá, recognizing his valor and strength, and he is celebrated among the knights of Kíev. The narrative emphasizes themes of bravery, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil, showcasing Ilyá Múromets as a quintessential hero of Russian folklore.

By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1822 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Heroic Epic · 2,281 words

First lines

Once in the famous city of Múrom48 in the village of Karachárovo, a peasant lived who was called Iván Timoféyevich; he had one beloved son, Ilyá Múromets. And he sat down in a house as a stay-at-home for thirty years, and after the thirty years had gone by he began to walk on his feet mightily, and he gained great strength. Then he made himself the trappings of war and a lance of steel, and got himself a good steed, a knightly horse; he then went up to his mother and father and asked their blessing. "Ye, my masters, my mother and father, let me go into the famous city of Kíev, to pray to God and to do homage to our prince at Kíev."

What this Textopian page supports

The Story of the Brave and Doughty Knight Ilyá Múromets and the Nightingale Robber is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1822 CE.

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

Good citation fit

Discussion starters

Similar titles

Genres

Tags

Folklore · Russian Literature · Medieval Fiction · Adventure Story · Heroic Quest · Moral Allegory · Animal Character · Nightingale Symbolism · Bravery · Courage · Loyalty · Friendship

More by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev