Description
Translated from a Collection of Chapbooks Made in Moscow. Edited by Robert Steele. Illustrated by J. R. De Rosciszewski. Enter the magical world of old Russia, where enchanted forests, mysterious witches, brave heroes, and magical creatures dwell in the timeless realm of Slavic folklore.
In The Russian Garland—Being Russian Folk Tales, scholar and author Robert Steele presents a captivating collection of traditional Russian fairy tales and folk legends gathered from the rich storytelling traditions of the Russian people. Filled with wonder, adventure, humor, and mystery, these tales preserve the imagination and cultural heritage of a world shaped by centuries of oral tradition.
Within these pages readers encounter fearless princes, clever peasant girls, talking animals, magical birds, wandering adventurers, and supernatural beings drawn from the deep well of Russian folklore. Legendary figures such as the fearsome witch Baba Yaga appear alongside enchanted kingdoms, hidden treasures, and perilous journeys through dark forests and frozen landscapes. The stories combine fantasy with moral lessons, reflecting the hopes, fears, and values of the people who first told them around village firesides generations ago.
Written in an engaging and accessible style, The Russian Garland captures the atmosphere and charm of traditional folk storytelling while introducing readers to the unique mythic world of Russia and the wider Slavic tradition. More than simple children’s tales, these stories form part of a rich cultural heritage that influenced Russian literature, art, and national identity.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved classic of folklore for modern readers. Ideal for lovers of fairy tales, mythology, fantasy literature, and Slavic culture, The Russian Garland continues to enchant readers of all ages with its magical adventures, unforgettable characters, and timeless sense of wonder drawn from the ancient traditions of Russia.
About the editor: Robert Steele (1860–1944) was a British scholar, best known for editing the 16-volume Opera hactenus inedita Rogeri Bacon. An early disciple of art scholar William Morris, Steele was drawn to medieval studies and manuscripts. This specialization drew him to source libraries all over the world, including Russia where he was one of the first to find—and translate—the myriad of peasant chapbooks he found stashed in the Moscow archives.
About the illustrator: Jan Junosza de Rosciszewski (1885–1956), better known as “Tom Titt,” was born in Warsaw, Poland, but moved to England as a young man to study art. His art dominated post Victorian London magazines, and he ended up as the theatrical caricaturist for the Tatler.
Contents
Foreword
Story of Lyubim Tsarevich and the Winged Wolf
Story of the Most Wonderful and Noble Self-Playing Harp
The Seven Brothers Simeon
Story of Ivan, the Peasant’s Son
Story of the Golden Mountain
Iliya of Murom and the Robber Nightingale
The Renowned Hero, Bova Korolevich, and the Princess Drushnevna
The Mild Man and His Cantankerous Wife
Story of the Duck with Golden Eggs
Story of Bulat the Brave Companion
Story of Prince Malandrach and the Princess Salikalla
Story of a Shoemaker and His Servant Prituitshkin
Emelyan, the Fool
The Judgment of Shemyaka
Story of Prince Peter with the Golden Keys, and the Princess Magilene
Sila Tsarevich and Ivashka with the White Smock
Story of the Knight Yaroslav Lasarevich and the Princess Anastasia
