Vasilisa the Beautiful

In a field outside the capital, the tsar’s three sons shoot arrows toward different directions to choose their brides. The eldest’s arrow lands at the home of a Boyar’s daughter, the middle’s arrow lands in a merchant’s yard, and the youngest, Ivan, finds his arrow in a swamp. The field ceremony sets the stage for three very different betrothals. Ivan learns his chosen bride will be the frog princess Vasilisa.

Though a frog bride seems unlikely, the princess emerges as Vasilisa and convinces Ivan to marry her. The other brides are left to wonder, while the couple prepares for the union. Ivan begins to accept this unusual betrothal despite initial misgivings.

That night, Vasilisa reveals her human form as Ivan sleeps. She crafts the finest shirt for the tsar, an offering that will prove her worth beyond appearances. The shirt is presented the next day and stands out for its beauty.

When the shirts are shown, the tsar declares Vasilisa’s the most beautiful of the three. The other brides falter in comparison, and the tsar assigns a second task to test their worth. The joyful crowd anticipates the forthcoming challenge.

For the second task, Vasilisa bakes a cake fit for a feast while the two rival brides attempt to spy on her. They realize she remains the frog, prompting them to leave in frustration. Vasilisa resumes baking in human form to finish her cake.

The next day the tsar proclaims Vasilisa’s cake the best of the three. He then orders the brides to come to the castle for a grand feast, setting the stage for a reveal and a test of loyalty. Ivan is anxious about presenting his frog bride, but Vasilisa urges him to attend.

At the feast, Ivan arrives alone, and the tsar asks where his bride is. The absence casts a hush over the hall as guests await the moment of revelation. The tension mounts as expectations clash with tradition.

Suddenly, Vasilisa arrives in a coach in her human form, transforming the perception of the bride in front of everyone. The guests are astonished by her beauty and grace. Her arrival signals that the frog princess has won the royal audience with her true self.

Vasilisa shines with dancing and magic, while the other brides try to imitate her, provoking chaos and anger from the tsar. The focus shifts from ceremony to spectacle as rivals falter in their own displays of wit. The crowd and tsar recognize the superior charm and power of Vasilisa.

During the distraction, Ivan sneaks back to his room to search for the frog. He finds nothing but an old frog-skin on the floor and, in a rash moment, tosses it into the fireplace. Vasilisa reappears, admonishing him for not waiting and explaining what remains unresolved.

Vasilisa tells Ivan that had he waited three days, they could have been together, but now she must fade away. She urges him to search beyond the hills if he truly loves her, hinting at a quest that will test his dedication. She disappears as the fire still glows in the room.

Ivan sets out to find his bride, traveling through forests and fields. Along the way he helps a bear, a hare, a pike, and a drake, earning their aid for the trials ahead. The journey marks the beginning of a perilous but hopeful quest.

In the woods, the Baba Yaga reveals that Vasilisa has been cursed by a powerful wizard who rules another kingdom. To win her back, Ivan must defeat the wizard by destroying his kingdom. The tale pivots from rescue to conquest.

With the animal allies' help, Ivan defeats the wizard by destroying his kingdom, breaking the spell that holds Vasilisa. The victory signals the return of the couple and the end of the enchantment. Their bond is proven through courage and loyalty.

Vasilisa and Ivan are wed and live happily ever after, with the kingdom celebrating the union of a brave prince and a transformed princess. The tale closes on a note of love, bravery, and renewal. The frogs, bears, and friends are remembered as part of their journey.