The End . . . and a Beginning

What would Prince Ivan do without the Grey Wolf? Here’s a friend indeed!

The Grey Wolf, the shape-shifter, turned into the horse with the golden mane. Together, Ivan and he sought an audience with Tsar Afron.

On seeing them, the tsar said, ‘Ah, Prince Ivan, so you have indeed brought me the horse I wanted. Now I will keep my part of the bargain,’ and he handed over the firebird in its golden cage.

Ivan took the bird, thanked the Tsar and left the castle. Back at the blue forest, he found Princess Yelena and the real golden horse where he had hidden them. Along with the princess, Ivan raced through the forest on the horse, holding the prized firebird. At last, he had succeeded in his mission. His father was going to be so happy!

Meanwhile, Tsar Afron tried to mount his golden horse but fell off as it suddenly turned into a grey wolf! Everyone screamed in shock and in the melee, the Grey Wolf slunk away. Soon he caught up with Ivan in the forest. ‘Dear, dear Wolf! I can’t thank you enough,’ said Ivan, getting off his horse and hugging the big grey creature. ‘I guess it’s goodbye now . . . I shall miss you, you know.’

‘Who knows, I may need to help you again . . . But we shall part for now,’ said the Grey Wolf and retreated into the blue forest.

Ivan and Yelena rode on for many days. One evening, they reached a meadow by a stream. ‘Let’s rest here for the night,’ said Ivan and the two of them went to sleep under a large tree. The long journey had worn them out so they did not hear the clippety-clop of the horses that approached. It was the other two princes, Ivan’s elder brothers, who had been on the same mission as him—to find the firebird.

‘What? It looks like our little Ivan has found the firebird!’ whispered the first brother.

‘And add to it a beautiful maiden and a golden horse! How smart is he?’ laughed the second one.

‘Not that smart . . .’ whispered the eldest prince as he drew his sword. Killing the sleeping Ivan, he grabbed a frightened Yelena, who was now awake.

‘Not a word or a cry will you utter!’ said the prince as he put her on the golden horse along with the cage containing the firebird. And they left for their father’s castle.

Crows gathered around the dead prince, squawking loudly. Out of nowhere appeared the Grey Wolf once more and he caught hold of a crow chick in his mighty paw. He told its mother, ‘If you want your little one back, you must rush and fetch me some sparkling water and some still water.’ The crow agreed and flew to do his bidding. Soon, she was back with the water.

The wolf poured the still water on Ivan’s wounds and they healed. He then sprinkled the sparkling water on the prince’s face and there he was, springing back to life! ‘Have I been sleeping for long?’ asked he on seeing his friend.

‘Ah yes . . . a deep sleep . . . so much so that your brothers killed you and made off with the princess, the horse and the firebird,’ said the wolf. ‘Quickly now, climb on my back and we’ll catch up with them!’ The Grey Wolf raced through the meadow with Ivan on his back and soon caught up with the two princes.

The wolf threw himself upon the evil brothers, who were quite taken aback to see their dead brother alive again and tore them to pieces. He then scattered parts of their bodies in the corn fields.

‘It’s time to say goodbye now, dear Prince Ivan and Princess Yelena. I hope I’ve served you well and you will remember me kindly,’ said the Grey Wolf as he once again turned towards the forests. Ivan and Yelena thanked the wolf and took his leave. Together, they rode on the golden horse towards Ivan’s father’s castle.

Tsar Berendey was delighted when his youngest son returned with the firebird that glowed in its beautiful cage. Prince Ivan truthfully related all his adventures, telling everyone how the kind Grey Wolf had helped him and saved his life. The tsar mourned the death of his two elder sons. But the gloom was lifted with the wedding of Prince Ivan and the beautiful Yelena. And they all lived happily ever after.