Bartok the Magnificent

Bartok the Magnificent arrives in Moscow and introduces himself as a magical con artist to the locals. He performs a show whose grand finale features a fierce bear. The spectacle earns him a royal ring from Tsar Ivan Romanov, a gift that provokes Ludmilla's jealousy.

After the show, Bartok counts his earnings and is shocked when the bear is revealed to be his partner Zozi in disguise. Zozi reminds him that the ring was given for royalty and should be returned. Bartok refuses, insisting the ring is his to keep as a gift.

Ivan is reportedly kidnapped by Baba Yaga, and two children nominate Bartok as the rescuer. Bartok and Zozi head toward St. Petersburg in search of a way to save the prince. Cossacks intercept them and present them to the townspeople who hope for a courageous hero.

Bartok and Zozi reach Baba Yaga's hut in the Iron Forest and face a giant talking skull that asks a riddle to grant entry. They solve the riddle and gain access, but Bartok is soon captured by Baba Yaga herself. The encounter sets the stage for a dangerous quest to retrieve the artifacts.

Baba Yaga imposes three impossible tasks: retrieve Piloff the pink snake from a frozen boulder, steal Oble's crown from a fiery ogre, and obtain the Magic Feather without the aid of flight. Bartok must complete these tasks using only his wits and the two artifacts he retrieves. He faces each challenge with clever tricks, not brute force.

Meanwhile in Moscow, Ludmilla seizes Ivan's throne, consolidating power while Bartok is away on the quest. Her usurpation disrupts the city and establishes the stakes for the rescue mission. Bartok's absence from the throne room leaves the people vulnerable.

When Bartok returns to Baba Yaga, she reveals she never kidnapped Ivan and hints that the imprisoned prince is housed in Moscow's castle. She explains that the potion Bartok will help create taps into the heart's true power. The truth reframes the quest's purpose.

Bartok recounts his journey to Ludmilla and the gathered crowd in the throne room, outlining the dangers and revealing Ivan's captivity in the castle. The people rally behind him as they prepare to confront Ludmilla's rule. The plan hinges on reclaiming Ivan and exposing the truth.

Ludmilla traps Bartok and Vol in the throne area, then steals Bartok's potion and drinks it, transforming into a terrifying giant dragon. She ramps through Moscow, unleashing destructive fire and fury. The city teeters between fear and revolt as the truth of her power emerges.

Zozi arrives to rescue Bartok, Ivan, and Vol, and Bartok uses his Iron Forest tricks to maneuver the dragon-empowered Ludmilla toward the tower. He lures her up high and, using his cunning, causes the unstable tower to crumble under her weight. The collapse douses the flames and ends the threat.

With Ludmilla defeated, the townsfolk celebrate Bartok as a true hero and Ivans's return is hailed. Zozi confirms that Baba Yaga was not wicked after all, gaining the trust of the people. Bartok is thanked by all, and the ring is returned to its rightful owner.

Bartok returns Ivan's ring to the prince and thanks Baba Yaga for her role in the journey. The three share a heartfelt hug before Bartok bids farewell to Moscow's heroes and heads off, counting on meeting them again someday. He sets out to seek new adventures beyond the city walls.