Wish upon a Pike

During a harsh winter, Yemelya, a poor farmer's son, struggles to cut wood and is unable to return home because the last horse was taken by the Tsar. He goes to fetch water and unexpectedly catches a magical pike, but spares its life in an act of mercy. Grateful, the magical fish promises to grant Yemelya three wishes.

The Tsar announces a search throughout the kingdom for a man who can make his ill-tempered princess laugh, promising her in marriage to whoever succeeds. Heralds go in all directions to find such a person, spreading the message.

One of the heralds spots Yemelya wishing for his sled to move without a horse and observes his behavior. The herald demands Yemelya accompany him to the Tsar, but Yemelya initially refuses, believing the Tsar should come to visit him.

Yemelya is taken to the Tsar's court, where he is tested to see if he can make the princess laugh. Despite initial reluctance, he performs with music and humor, successfully entertaining the princess and making her laugh.

Although Yemelya manages to make the princess laugh and dance, the Tsar refuses to marry his daughter to a peasant. Disappointed, Yemelya and the princess leave the court, ignoring the Tsar's objections.

Enraged, the Tsar orders soldiers to capture Yemelya, dead or alive. Yemelya and the princess manage to escape, shaking off their pursuers and avoiding capture as they flee together to a distant place.

Yemelya, the princess, and Yemelya's mother settle in a remote area, starting a new life away from the Tsar's reach. The Princess finds happiness with Yemelya, and peace is restored for them all.

Before parting, the magical pike, grateful for Yemelya's mercy, bids farewell to him. The fish's promise to grant wishes is fulfilled, and it departs, leaving Yemelya to live happily with the princess.