A. N. Afanas'ev

A collection of the classic Russian folk and fairy tales.

Russian Fairy Tales

Pia Sophia

The thing I love about Russian literature, including all of these precious stories, is how dark and intelligent they are. Russians know how tough life can be, and they're not afraid to show it. This wisdom is portrayed in this beautiful collection by short and longer tales. Speaking through animals, kings and peasants. Each as smart and important as the other. 

It amazes me that these tales are all ever so interesting to read. Whether they talk about a tsar's or a princess' fate, about a quarrel between animals or about an agreement made by two rivers; they are one by one delightful and will leave you with a lesson you will ponder over. 

These tales speak of deep love and hurt at the same time. They speak of fear (I love all the Baba Yaga stories!) and trust. And, bottom line of a whole bunch of these tales: nothing is as it seems to be. 

Some stories, I recognize from when I was a child myself (for example, The Wolf and the Goat) and other tales are completely new to me. I like how the stories capture society, in a way, which is still relevant even today. 

There's evil stepmothers and wealthy kings, witches and talking animals. Reading these tales is a true feast for your eyes. Not to forget the beautiful illustrations that go with them! 

After reading these tales, I can surely say that not only the stories' plots are poetic and magical, but the language with which they're written is as well. A must-read for lovers of fairy tales, young and old.

Russian Fairy Tales

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