Along Unknown Paths

A curious and brave boy who delivers a gift to Baba Yaga and unwittingly becomes entwined in a royal conspiracy. He improvises solutions, rides a magic stove, and uses the invisibility cap to navigate danger and aid his allies. His resourcefulness and loyalty drive the story forward.

A powerful, enigmatic witch who negotiates with spirits and the moral intricacies of the kingdom. She teams up with Mitya to thwart the scribe and protect the innocent, while explaining the tale's fairy-tale logic in a sly, wry way. Her presence balances cunning with a desire to see fairytales end well.

The legendary villain who seeks to overturn the Tsar by exploiting weakness and manipulation. His immortality is threatened by a needle in an egg within a duck, which Mitya ultimately uses to defeat him. He embodies the dangerous allure of power and the cost of immortality.

The well-meaning but constrained ruler whose desire to throw off bureaucratic rules is thwarted by the scribe’s control. His capture and later rescue mark the high-stakes political arc of the tale. He personifies the tension between authority and freedom.

A wise, enigmatic mentor who guides Mitya with magical aid and knowledge. She grants him tools like the cap of invisibility and directs him toward crucial revelations. Her presence anchors the fairy-tale logic and helps restore balance.

The swamp spirit who joins the watchful chorus of magical beings and aids in navigating the kingdom's perils. Her role emphasizes the interconnectedness of the fairy-tale world with the natural landscape. She embodies the creeping, sly nature of folklore.

A house-spirit who moves between the beach and the castle, carrying messages and altering the course of events. His knowledge of the household magic underlines the everyday magic woven through the plot. He adds a touch of folklore reliability to the ensemble.

The strict, calculating official whose denial of a delivery triggers a chain of rebellion. He plays both kingmaker and villain, depending on the moment, and his actions propel the plot toward a climactic confrontation with Koschei. His duplicitous nature drives much of the conflict.

A notorious ally of Koschei whose schemes threaten the realm. His presence adds danger and a rival faction within the court. He represents the persistent, cunning forces that resist reform.

A lesser-known character encountered along the journey whose role underscores the fairy-tale world’s varied cast. He contributes to the ensemble dynamics and the episode-driven pursuit within the plot.