A merchant has a daughter named Vasilísa, who receives a magical doll from her dying mother, instructed to keep it secret and seek its guidance. After her mother’s death, the merchant remarries a cruel widow with two envious daughters who mistreat Vasilísa, forcing her to do all the household chores. Despite the hardships, Vasilísa remains beautiful and kind, aided by her doll, which helps her complete tasks and provides comfort. When the merchant leaves for business, the stepmother sends Vasilísa into a dangerous forest to fetch fire from the fearsome witch Bába Yagá. The doll reassures her and guides her safely through the forest, where she encounters three horsemen representing day, sun, and night. Upon reaching Bába Yagá's hut, Vasilísa is terrified but manages to ask for fire. The witch agrees but demands Vasilísa work for her. Bába Yagá gives Vasilísa impossible tasks, but the doll helps her complete them effortlessly. Impressed by Vasilísa's work, Bába Yagá eventually reveals that her mother’s blessing is the source of her success and sends her home with a skull that has burning eyes, meant to punish her stepmother and stepsisters. Upon returning, Vasilísa finds her stepfamily has been consumed by the skull's fire. She buries the skull and seeks refuge with an old woman, where she spins and weaves fine linen with the doll's assistance. The old woman takes the linen to the Tsar, who is captivated by its quality and seeks the seamstress. Vasilísa is summoned to the Tsar, who falls in love with her at first sight. He declares his intention to marry her, and they wed, bringing joy to her father and the old woman. Vasilísa keeps the doll, a symbol of her resilience and the magic that guided her through adversity.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1855 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore