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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Flying Ship yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Flying Ship (1979)

Trace every key event in The Flying Ship (1979) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tsar plans Zabava's marriage to Polkan

The Tsar announces that Zabava should marry Polkan to strengthen his own power and wealth. Polkan is presented as a rich but ugly and cruel suitor who does not love Zabava. Zabava's opposition to the arrangement sets the conflict in motion.

Tsar's palace
2

Zabava rejects Polkan

Zabava flatly refuses the arranged marriage because she does not love Polkan and he does not love her. Her stance creates a clear obstacle that the couple must overcome.

Palace
3

Vanya falls in love with Zabava

A simple chimney sweep named Vanya falls in love with Zabava. Zabava loves him in return, and their feelings set the romance in motion.

Village near the palace
4

Mutual love and shared dreams

Vanya and Zabava realize their dreams align; they sing about their hopes, contrasting with the Tsar's and Polkan's ambitions. Their duet emphasizes the companionship they seek in a future together. The moment foregrounds the central romance of the story.

Palace grounds
5

Vanya plans to rescue Zabava with a flying ship

Zabava asks how he will rescue her. Vanya answers with a plan to build a flying ship that can reach the palace and carry them away.

6

Zabava's condition for marriage

Zabava declares she will marry only the one who builds the flying ship. This ultimatum sets the main quest in motion and forces the others to act.

7

Polkan's response: buy the ship

The Tsar asks Polkan to build the ship, but Polkan replies that he will buy it instead. He tries to ride on the promise of wealth and status rather than effort.

8

Dreams are sung

The characters sing about their dreams, clearly showing the Tsar and Polkan's versions differ from Zabava and Vanya's. The songs reveal the core desires driving each character. These musical moments illuminate the emotional stakes of the quest.

9

Vodyanoy helps with magical tools

Vanya meets the water spirit Vodyanoy, who sings of his joyless life and offers magical tools. The tools are said to work themselves if you can hold them, giving Vanya a crucial edge.

Riverbank
10

Ship construction begins

With the magical tools, Vanya starts building the flying ship. The tools will do the work themselves if they are properly controlled, creating a fantastical advantage.

11

Escape and the Tsar's failed spell

Zabava and Vanya escape the palace through a pipe and begin climbing to the ship. The Tsar, who asserts ownership of the ship, climbs after them but, after uttering the first half of a spell, remains suspended in the air and unable to fly or descend.

Palace
12

Ship departs; Polkan falls

Polkan attempts to reach the ship but cannot board in time. The flying ship lifts off with Vanya and Zabava, while Polkan falls from a great height.

Above the palace

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:20

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The Flying Ship Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Flying Ship

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