Vasilisa the Beautiful

Vasilisa the Beautiful

Year: 1977

Runtime: 19 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Vladimir Pekar

Animation

When a young prince discovers a talking frog that is actually a beautiful princess cursed by the forest witch Baba Yaga, he vows to break the spell. He sets out on a perilous journey through an enchanted woods, confronting riddles and magical traps, and ultimately outwits Baba Yaga to restore her true form.

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Timeline – Vasilisa the Beautiful (1977)

Trace every key event in Vasilisa the Beautiful (1977) 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

Arrows determine brides

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.

Daytime Open field
2

Ivan agrees to marry the frog princess

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.

Evening Field / castle approach
3

Transformation and the shirt

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.

Night Ivan's chamber
4

The shirt is chosen as best

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.

Next day Castle hall
5

A cake for the holiday feast

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.

Night Castle kitchen
6

The cake is judged best

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.

Next day Castle
7

The feast begins without the bride

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.

Evening Castle hall
8

Vasilisa appears in human form

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.

Evening Castle courtyard / hall
9

Feast descends into chaos

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.

Evening Castle hall
10

Ivan discovers the frogskin

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.

Night Ivan's chamber
11

A warning and a task

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.

Night Castle
12

Ivan begins a transfiguring journey

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.

Days after Forest
13

Baba Yaga and the wizard's curse

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.

Baba Yaga's realm
14

Ivan defeats the wizard

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.

Wizard's kingdom
15

Happily ever after

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.

Castle / kingdom

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:25

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Vasilisa the Beautiful Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Vasilisa the Beautiful

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