In a kingdom ruled by Tsar Výslav, three sons—Dmítri, Vasíli, and Iván—are tasked with capturing the elusive Bird of Light, which steals golden apples from their father's prized tree. While the elder brothers fail in their attempts, Iván manages to obtain a feather from the bird. Tsar Výslav, pleased with Iván's success, sends his sons on a quest to capture the bird alive. Iván embarks on his journey, facing a choice at a stone column that offers three paths, each with dire consequences. He chooses the right path, leading to the loss of his horse to a grey Wolf. The Wolf, however, becomes Iván's ally, offering to help him. They reach a garden where the Bird of Light is caged, but Iván's greed leads him to take the cage, resulting in his capture by Tsar Dolmát. To regain his freedom and the bird, Iván must retrieve a golden-maned horse from Tsar Afrón. Again, the grey Wolf assists him, but Iván's failure to heed warnings results in another capture. Tsar Afrón demands that Iván bring him Princess Eléna the Fair in exchange for the horse. The grey Wolf transforms into Eléna, allowing Iván to secure the horse. After successfully obtaining the horse, Iván and Eléna fall in love. The grey Wolf, having served Iván well, transforms back into his original form and departs. Meanwhile, Iván's brothers, envious of his success, ambush him, killing him in his sleep and taking Eléna and the horse. The grey Wolf revives Iván using the waters of Life and Death, and informs him of his brothers' treachery. Iván rushes back to his kingdom, arriving just as his brothers are about to marry Eléna. She recognizes Iván and reveals the truth, leading to the punishment of Dmítri and Vasíli. Ultimately, Iván marries Eléna, and they live happily together, united by their love and the loyalty of the grey Wolf.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1855 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure