The Flying Ship

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.