The Russian Garland, Being Russian Folk Tales

A lively tapestry of Russian folklore unfolds in this collection, beginning with the adventurous tale of a young prince determined to find his lost brothers. Lyubim Tsarevich, the youngest son of a tsar and tsarina, defies his parents’ wishes and sets out alone, armed only with his courage and a promise to avoid danger. Along the way he meets a mysterious old woman, a restless horse that seems to touch the sky, and hints of magical realms that beckon him toward destiny.

The volume gathers stories that range from heroic epics and clever tricksters to eerie legends and moral riddles, each told with the simple, direct language of the original chap‑books. Readers will hear familiar patterns—three brothers, the youngest prevailing, enchanted animals, and quests across “thrice‑nine lands”—while also discovering uniquely Russian twists on legends from the East and the West. The tales sparkle with vivid imagery and timeless wisdom, inviting listeners of all ages to step into a world where myth and everyday life dance together.