Vasilisa the Beautiful

Vasilisa the Beautiful is a famous Russian fairytale about a young, virtuous girl who is tormented by a cruel stepmother and jealous stepsisters after her mother dies. Before her death, Vasilisa’s mother gives her a small, enchanted wooden doll that offers guidance, protection, and comfort whenever fed a little food and drink.

Determined to get rid of her, the stepmother sends Vasilisa deep into the dark forest to fetch fire from Baba Yaga, the terrifying, bone-legged witch who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs. Through her kindness, obedience, and the magical aid of her doll, Vasilisa successfully completes the witch's impossible tasks. Impressed and unnerved by her pure goodness, Baba Yaga gives her a skull filled with burning embers, which consumes her cruel stepfamily upon her return. Later, using her exceptional weaving skills, Vasilisa captures the attention of the Tsar, who falls in love with her and makes her his Tsaritsa.

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