The Firebird story guide

Full story

In the enchanted garden of the Immortal Kostcheï the Firebird appears, pursued by Ivan Tsarevich. The Firebird tries to pluck golden apples from the magic tree. But, Ivan seizes her and will not release her until she gives him one of her feathers as a pledge of help should he ever need it. She flies off.

The darkness dissolves and Ivan finds himself at the gate of an old castle. 12 maidens come out, led by a beautiful Tsarevna, who tells him that this is the castle of the Immortal Kostcheï, a magician who waylays passing travellers by casting spells on them. After exchanging tender glances with Ivan, the Tsarevna leads her companions in a lively dance. She and Ivan kiss. But it is now dawn and the maidens must return to the castle.

In spite of the Tsarevna's warning, Ivan decides to follow them. As soon as he opens the gates, bells ring out and a crowd of weird figures rush from the castle, followed by Kostcheé, before whom they prostrate themselves.

Kostcheé advances on Ivan and tries to turn him to stone. But Ivan waves the Firebird's feather in his face, invoking her aid. She reappears and forces the crowd to dance until they fall exhausted to the ground. While they are all asleep, Ivan, on her instruction, steals a great egg that contains Kostcheï's soul. He throws it to the ground. Kostcheï dies and his spell is broken. The captives are restored to human form.

The Tsarevna and Ivan are married and everyone joins in a thanksgiving.