Ivan Popyalof
Long ago an old man and an old woman had three sons. The youngest was named Ivan Popyalof because, from childhood until he was twelve years old, he spent all his time lying on the stove among the ashes.
At that time a terrible Snake appeared and laid waste to the kingdom. It devastated villages, carried people away, and spread fear everywhere. When Ivan reached the age of twelve, he suddenly rose from the stove and asked his parents to have a heavy iron mace made for him. The first one proved too light, then the second, and only the third was strong enough to satisfy him. He tested it by throwing it high into the sky and catching it as it fell. Since it remained unbroken, he knew it was fit for battle.
Ivan and his two brothers rode out in search of the monster. They eventually reached a bridge where the Snake was expected to appear. Ivan ordered his brothers to rest while he kept watch through the night.
At midnight the earth shook, the trees bent, and the dreadful Snake arrived with six heads. Ivan fought it bravely and cut off every head. The following night an even more powerful Snake with nine heads appeared, but Ivan defeated it as well after a fierce struggle. On the third night the strongest of all came — a twelve-headed Snake. The battle lasted a long time, and Ivan was nearly overcome, but at last he gathered all his strength, struck the final blow, and killed the monster.
The brothers entered the Snake’s dwelling, destroyed its severed heads, and immediately light returned to the land.
As they rode home, Ivan realized he had forgotten his gloves and went back alone. Near the hut he overheard the Snake’s wife and daughters planning revenge. Turning himself into a cat, he slipped inside unnoticed and listened to their plans before quietly retrieving his gloves.
After rejoining his brothers, they continued their journey. Soon they came to a meadow covered with beautiful silk cushions. The elder brothers wanted to stop and rest, but Ivan suspected a trap. He struck the cushions with his mace, and blood poured from them — they were the Snake’s daughters in disguise.
Farther on they found a tree laden with golden and silver apples. Again Ivan tested it with his mace, and blood flowed from the trunk. The enchanted daughter hidden within it was destroyed.
Later they reached a clear spring. Before anyone could drink, Ivan struck the water with his mace, and it also turned to b
