The Flying Ship

The Flying Ship

Year: 1979

Runtime: 18 mins

Language: Russian

Animation

Chimney sweep Ivan falls for Princess Zabava, but their differing social stations and the scheming Polkan—who dreams of marrying a royal daughter to seize power—threaten their happiness. To escape a forced marriage to the royal adviser, Zabava declares she will wed only the man who can construct a flying ship. Determined, Ivan sets out to build the extraordinary vessel and win her hand.

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Timeline & Setting – The Flying Ship (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Flying Ship (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Fairy-tale era

The story takes place in a timeless, folkloric past where magic is commonplace and technology is fantastical. A royal court, magical beings, and enchanted artifacts shape the world, while a daring quest to fly changes the stakes for everyone involved. The setting feels medieval-inspired, with a strong emphasis on romance and myth.

Location

Tsar's Palace, The Flying Ship

The action unfolds in a royal kingdom centered on the Tsar's palace and court. The palace is the hub of power where Zabava's marriage prospects and Polkan's schemes play out. A magical flying ship becomes the centerpiece of a dream that could alter the balance of the realm.

👑 Royalty 🪄 Fantasy ✨ Adventure

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Main Characters – The Flying Ship (1979)

Meet the key characters of The Flying Ship (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ivan (Vanya) — Mikhail Boyarskiy

A humble chimney sweep whose quiet resolve grows into bold action for love. He combines practicality with courage, risking everything to win Zabava. His partnership with Zabava drives the mission to build the flying ship and escape the palace.

💖 Hero 🧭 Brave 🌟 Romantic

Tsar

The powerful ruler who seeks to secure wealth and status through a strategic marriage. He underestimates Zabava’s will and overestimates his own grip on power. His plans hinge on appearances and alliances rather than true affection.

👑 Power 🗝️ Authority 🪄 Magic

Polkan

A rich, scheming boyar who pretends to offer security but only desires domination and wealth. He uses flattery and manipulation to press his claim, showing a willingness to sacrifice others for status. His downfall comes from relying on superficial charm rather than genuine capability.

💰 Wealth 🗡️ Manipulation 🎭 Villain

Merman [Vodyanoy]

A sea-dwelling figure who sings of a joyless life but aids Vanya by providing magical tools for the ship. His presence highlights the magical world beneath the surface of the royal tale and the theme that help can come from unexpected places.

🐟 Mythical 🪄 Help ✨ Enchantment

Zabava

The princess who refuses Polkan for love with Vanya. She embodies independence and courage, insisting on a future shaped by shared dreams rather than wealth or status. Her choices ignite the voyage and drive the escape from the palace.

💖 Love 🕊️ Freedom 🎬 Heroine

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

Major Themes – The Flying Ship (1979)

Explore the central themes of The Flying Ship (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love vs Wealth

Zabava's longing for genuine love clashes with Polkan's wealth-driven intentions and the Tsar's political calculations. The narrative frames romance as the true path to happiness rather than arranged alliances. The lovers' bond ultimately challenges the value placed on status and money.

🛠️ Ingenuity

Vanya's proposal to build a flying ship propels the plot, aided by magical tools that respond to skill and intent. Resourcefulness and collaboration enable them to overcome obstacles that display the power of creativity over authority. The ship becomes a symbol of what can be achieved when imagination meets effort.

🕊️ Freedom

The escape from the palace and ascent into the skies symbolize personal freedom for Zabava and Ivan. Authority's plans are challenged by love, courage, and a willingness to break from convention. The ending emphasizes liberation achieved through daring choices and shared purpose.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:47

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The Flying Ship Summary

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The Flying Ship Summary

The Flying Ship Timeline

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The Flying Ship Timeline

More About The Flying Ship

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