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The Firebird Legend is based in Russian folklore and has been the subject of several art forms throughout Russian history. Besides being told to children as a fairy tale, the Firebird Story has been depicted in Russian Lacquer Box Painting and is the subject of the 1910 Stravinsky score, THE FIREBIRD.
 
 
 
 

T  H  E   S  T  O  R  Y   O F   T  H  E    F  I  R  E  B  I  R  D

During a hunting expedition, Prince Ivan, the Tsarevich, wanders into an enchanted garden. There, he spies a beautiful bird with dazzling plumage that is trying to pluck golden fruit from a silver tree. Ivan captures the bird but yeilds to its entreaties to be set free. In gratitude, the Firebird  gives Ivan a magic feather.

As the sun rises, thirteen enchanted princesses come from the castle to dance and play with golden apples. Ivan discloses himself and is told the castle is the property of the evil magician Kastchei, who turns captive travelers into stone. Ivan, now in love with one of the princesses, vows to enter the castle. As he opens the gates, Kastchei and his crew of grotesques march onto the scene. Kastchei tries to bewitch Ivan, but the Prince is protected by the Firebird's feather.

The Firebird then appears and casts a spell by dancing wildly among the demons of Kastchei. The bird then reveals to Ivan an egg which contains Kastchei's soul. Ivan smashes the egg, and Kastchei dies. With his death, the princesses are liberated, and the story ends happily.