Russian Folk Tales
Explore our collection of 18 Russian folk tales — stories from the vast heartland of Slavic storytelling tradition. Russian folklore draws its power from the endless birch forests, bitter winters, and indomitable spirit of the Russian people.
These tales feature iconic characters from Russian tradition: the fearsome witch Baba Yaga, the magical Firebird, brave Prince Ivan, beautiful Vasilisa the Wise, and the frost king Morozko. Russian folk tales are known for their dramatic plots, supernatural elements, and deeply satisfying endings where virtue triumphs over evil.
Our retellings bring these classic Slavic fairy tales and Russian folklore to life for modern readers, complete with vivid illustrations. Ideal for children, world literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in European folk traditions.
Russian Folk Tales
Ages 6-8
Dimian The Peasant
Dimian The Peasant: [Illustration] Not long ago, or perchance very long ago, I do not know for sure, there lived in a village, some place in Russia, a peasant
Russian Folk Tales
All Ages
Woe Bogotir
A Russian peasant folk tale of two brothers — one rich, one poor — and how the poor one outwits Woe (Gore), the gaunt grey personification of Misfortune who has come to live in his house. Translated by Verra Xenophontovna Kalamatiano de Blumenthal in Folk Tales from the Russian (1903) from Afanasyev's Narodnye russkie skazki. ATU 735A 'Bad Luck Imprisoned.'
Russian Folk Tales
All Ages
Ivanoushka The Simpleton
Ivanoushka The Simpleton: [Illustration] In a kingdom far away from our country, there was a town over which ruled the Tsar Pea with his Tsaritza Carrot.
Russian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Language Of The Birds
The Language Of The Birds: [Illustration] Somewhere in a town in holy Russia, there lived a rich merchant with his wife. He had an only son, a dear, bright
Russian Folk Tales
All Ages
Seven Simeons
Seven Simeons: [Illustration] In an empire, in a country beyond many seas and islands, beyond high mountains, beyond large rivers, upon a level expanse, as if
Russian Folk Tales
All Ages
The Tsarevna Frog
The Tsarevna Frog: [Illustration] In an old, old Russian tsarstvo, I do not know when, there lived a sovereign prince with the princess his wife. They had