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Eastern European & Slavic Folktales - Page 2

Grand tales of heroes, witches, and the moral heart of Eastern Europe.

An artwork of an old Polish ferryman meeting glowing water nymphs on a moonlit river.

The Good Ferryman and the Water Nymphs: Polish Folktale

by Ayomide Adekilekun

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Polish Folktales

Beside a wide and silvery river in old Poland, there once lived a humble ferryman. For many years, the old man rowed travelers from one bank to the other, through sunshine and storm alike. His hands were rough from the oar, and his back bent with age, yet his heart was gentle. He lived simply, asking little from life beyond

An artwork of Poleviks dancing in a moonlit Polesye marsh, Belarusian folktale scene

Belarusian Folktales·Eastern European & Slavic Folktales

Poleshchuks and Poleviks: Belarusian Folktale of Marsh Spirits

Long ago, in the wide, misty marshes of Polesye, there lived a people called the Poleshchuks. Strong, quiet, and deeply attuned to the land, they made their homes on the dry islands among the reeds, fished in the dark, winding rivers, and hunted in the dense forests that cloaked the

An illustration of the forty-first brother battling the Black Serpent, Ukrainian folktale scene.

The Forty-First Brother: Ukrainian Folktale

In the quiet valleys of old Ukraine, where fields met the misty

Baba Yaga and the Birch Child

A Slavic Tale of Respect, Cunning, and the Forest’s Mercy In a

An artwork of Vasilisa before Baba Yaga’s hut in the forest, Russian folktale scene.

Vasilisa the Beautiful: Russian Folktale

November 7, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Russian Folktales

In the heart of old Russia, where forests whispered secrets and rivers gleamed under silver moons, there once lived a prosperous merchant and his beloved daughter, Vasilisa. Her mother, a kind and gentle woman, loved her deeply. But as her days drew to an end, she called the young girl

An artwork of Prince Ivan riding the Grey Wolf under the Firebird, Russian folktale scene.

The Firebird and the Grey Wolf: Russian Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Russian Folktales

In a distant Russian kingdom, surrounded by silver birch forests and wide golden plains, there lived a powerful Tsar who cherished his most prized possession, a splendid garden of golden apples. These apples shone like suns among emerald leaves, and their scent filled the air with warmth and sweetness. But

An artwork of Prince Ivan and the enchanted frog under moonlight, Russian folktale scene.

The Frog Princess: A Russian Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Russian Folktales

In a distant Russian kingdom, a wise old Tsar once ruled with justice and honour. When his three sons had grown into strong young men, the Tsar decided it was time for them to marry. To guide their destiny, he gave each a bow and arrow, declaring that wherever their

An artwork of a Polish peasant summoning his bride from the storm, Polish folktale scene.

The Whirlwind Bride | Polish Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Polish Folktales

In the heart of ancient Poland, where green meadows touched the sky and rivers shimmered like ribbons of glass, there once lived a humble peasant and his young bride. Their love was pure and steady, the kind that weathered every hardship. Yet fate, like a sudden whirlwind, had plans to

An artwork of the youngest brother carried by eagles toward the Queen of the Air, Polish folktale scene.

The Eagles and the Golden Apple: Polish Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Polish Folktales

Long ago, in a distant Polish kingdom surrounded by ancient forests and mist-covered mountains, there lived three brothers, the sons of a nobleman. They were known far and wide for their strength and skill, but it was said that only one among them possessed the true heart of a hero.

An artwork of Prince Hero freeing Princess Miranda from her crystal tower, Polish folktale scene.

Princess Miranda and Prince Hero: Polish Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Polish Folktales

Long ago, in a kingdom nestled beyond the mountains and seas of Poland, there lived a noble king and queen who were blessed with a single child, a daughter named Princess Miranda. From the moment of her birth, Miranda was the joy of the royal household. Her laughter filled the

An artwork of the Frog Princess transforming before the prince and king, Polish folktale scene.

The Frog Princess: Polish Folktale

November 6, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales·Polish Folktales

Once upon a time, in a faraway Polish kingdom, there lived an ageing king who had three sons. The king was wise and just, but as the years weighed upon him, he knew his days of rule were drawing to an end. Wanting to see his sons settled before he

The Firebird’s Feather

October 17, 2025

Eastern European & Slavic Folktales

In the kingdom of Tsar Vsevolod, the royal orchard bore apples of gold that ripened at midnight. Each dawn, a branch stood stripped, the grass beneath it scorched. The guards swore they saw only a streak of flame and heard the hiss of silk wings. The Tsar summoned his three

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Eastern European & Slavic Folktales - Page 2

The Good Ferryman and the Water Nymphs: Polish Folktale

Poleshchuks and Poleviks: Belarusian Folktale of Marsh Spirits

The Forty-First Brother: Ukrainian Folktale

Baba Yaga and the Birch Child

Vasilisa the Beautiful: Russian Folktale

The Firebird and the Grey Wolf: Russian Folktale

The Frog Princess: A Russian Folktale

The Whirlwind Bride | Polish Folktale

The Eagles and the Golden Apple: Polish Folktale

Princess Miranda and Prince Hero: Polish Folktale

The Frog Princess: Polish Folktale

The Firebird’s Feather

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