Ivan’s Magic Horse
The Magical Prophecy
Many years back, in a remote Russian town, a couple was mourning the loss of their children, who had tragically passed away in their infancy. One day, their melancholy was interrupted by a charming bird who perched on their windowsill, noticed their grief, and inquired about their unhappiness.
“We are desolate because we’ve lost all our children, and have no one to bring us joy in our twilight years,” shared the wife.
The bird, seeming to be wise beyond its years, consoled her, “Dear woman, do not grieve. I bring news that you will soon have another son, and he shall be a source of immense joy. However, remember this: ask the first man who passes your way after the birth of this son, to become his godfather.”
An Unforeseen Godfather
The bird’s prophecy came true and a beautiful baby boy was born. Overwhelmed with joy, the husband rushed to the road to fulfill the bird’s directive and asked the first man he encountered to be the child’s godfather. Much to his astonishment, a grand coach belonging to the Czar, the sovereign of all Russia, happened to pass by. Plucking up courage, the husband stopped the coach, approached the Czar, and made his unanticipated request. After patiently listening to the intriguing story, the Czar agreed to christen their son, whom he named Ivan.
The Adventurous Journey
Ivan grew into a courageous and intelligent young man, bringing immense joy to his aging parents. The Czar, too, cherished his godson and bestowed upon him lavish gifts each year on his birthday. When Ivan turned twenty, the Czar expressed a desire to meet his fine godson.
Since the city was quite distant, Ivan’s father imparted his life savings to Ivan, advising him to buy a sturdy horse from the market to make the journey. In a twist of fate, Ivan encountered an old man who counseled him to do the opposite, insisting that he buy the weakest, most pitiful horse available. He assured Ivan that after ten grazing days beside his cottage, this weak horse would transform into an impressive stallion.
A Horse, An Eagle, and A Princess
Fascinatingly enough, the old man’s prediction came true. The once weak horse had become a magnificent stallion, upon which Ivan rode confidently to visit the Czar, who was incredibly proud to have such a brave godson in his court.
Court life was not without its intrigues. One of the court officials, out of jealousy, tricked the Czar into challenging Ivan to rescue an imprisoned princess, of whom the officer falsely claimed Ivan had boasted about saving and marrying. Despite the trickery, Ivan bravely accepted the challenge. To his surprise, his horse started trotting confidently on a path of its own, as if knowing exactly where it was going.
An arduous journey later, Ivan found himself at the gates of a mesmerizing white castle, enclosed by unscalable walls. To his amazement, his horse quickly transformed into a grand eagle, which ferried Ivan to the fair princess. Rescuing her from her confinement, Ivan, together with the princess, rode the eagle to escape the castle. Outside the castle, the eagle morphed back into a horse.
A New King and Queen in Town
On their way back to the Czar’s kingdom, Ivan heroically helped an old woman retrieve her magic broomstick, for which he received a magic whip as a reward. This whip had the power to make anyone obey its holder. As they approached the kingdom, they saw it surrounded by enemy soldiers.
With the power of the magic whip, Ivan quickly turned the tide, converting the enemy soldiers into his loyal followers, and heroically saved the city. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, the Czar crowed Ivan the new king and declared that on the day Ivan marries his princess, she will be the new queen. The city erupted in celebration, hailing their new king who had not only saved them but also brought renewed hope and joy.