Story Summary
Discover The Tale of Tsar Saltan, a classic Slavic legend of a betrayed queen, a magical swan princess, and Prince Gvidon's journey to reunite his family.
Three sisters sat by a window, spinning and sharing their desires. The eldest wished to host a feast for the whole world, the second to clothe the entire world, but the youngest wished to bear a hero-son for Tsar Saltan. Overhearing them, the Tsar married the youngest and gave the others roles in his palace. While the Tsar was at war, the Tsarina gave birth to Prince Gvidon. Jealous of her luck, the sisters intercepted messages to the Tsar, tricking him into believing his wife had birthed a monster. He ordered them cast into the sea in a sealed barrel. Guided by fate, the barrel washed ashore on the magical island of Buyan. As Gvidon grew rapidly into a man, he saved a white swan from a hawk. The swan, an enchanted princess, created a magnificent city for him to rule. Longing for his father, Gvidon visited Saltan’s court thrice, disguised by the swan as a mosquito, a fly, and a bumblebee, overhearing the sisters' lies. Eventually, the Swan Princess revealed her true form to Gvidon as his bride. When Tsar Saltan finally visited Buyan and saw his wife and son, he realized the sisters' deceit. In his joy of reconciliation, he forgave the sisters, and the family lived in peace.
The Moral
Truth and virtue will always overcome the shadows of jealousy and deceit, leading to eventual justice and family restoration.
“The wind across the sea does blow, and the boat begins to go.”
Fun Fact
Pushkin wrote the entire story in trochaic tetrameter, a rhythmic style that makes the poem sound like a continuous, enchanting song in its original Russian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Tale of Tsar Saltan?
The story teaches that jealousy and lies cannot hide the truth forever. It emphasizes that forgiveness and the bond of family are stronger than the malice of those who wish for your downfall.
Who is the author of The Tale of Tsar Saltan?
The most famous version was written by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in 1831. He adapted traditional Slavic folk themes into a rhythmic, epic poem.
What happens to the jealous sisters at the end?
When Tsar Saltan discovers their treachery, he is initially furious, but in his overwhelming joy at being reunited with his family, he chooses mercy and sends them home instead of punishing them harshly.
How does Prince Gvidon travel to see his father?
The Swan Princess uses her magic to transform Gvidon into various insects—a mosquito, a fly, and a bumblebee. This allows him to stow away on merchant ships and visit his father's court unnoticed.
What are the three wonders mentioned in the story?
The wonders on Buyan include a squirrel that cracks golden nuts with emerald kernels, thirty-three brave knights who emerge from the sea, and the beautiful Swan Princess herself.
What is the significance of Buyan Island?
In Slavic folklore, Buyan is a mythical island with the power to appear and disappear. It serves as a sanctuary where magic is possible and where Gvidon builds his kingdom.
