An old couple, impoverished and without prospects for their son, face the challenge of finding him a bride. The mother’s attempts to secure a match in their village fail, leading her to suggest that their son seek his own fortune. The son, feeling despondent, encounters a mysterious old man who offers to help him. The old man takes him to a lake, where he is transported to an underwater palace filled with twelve beautiful maidens. The son is given the opportunity to choose a bride but is warned by one maiden, who reveals herself to be the daughter of a pope, that he must select her to escape the clutches of the Devil. Despite the old man's attempts to thwart him, the son successfully chooses the maiden with a patch over her eye, fulfilling the conditions set by her. They escape together, and upon returning to the surface, they find themselves back on the road. The couple seeks shelter at the pope's house, where the maiden reveals her identity and the circumstances of her abduction by the Devil. The reunion is emotional, and the maiden presents treasures she acquired during her time in captivity, which are recognized by a merchant as his long-lost possessions. The narrative explores themes of fate, the consequences of careless words, and the power of love and determination. The son’s journey from despair to triumph illustrates the idea that true worth is not determined by wealth but by character and bravery. Ultimately, the couple's return signifies hope and redemption, as they reunite with family and reclaim their lives from the darkness that had threatened to consume them.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1833 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore