A Common World Literature Mistake You Are Probably Making Now With Russian Fairy Tales Part 1

Russian Fairy Tales are probably the most overlooked literary study for those studying for the CSET English and the CSET Multiple Subjects exams. Remember, the World Literature section of the CSET demands your attention of World Literature studies.

In this lesson we will review what all fairy tales have in common. Next we will try and define what exactly the Russian Fairy Tale is. Next we will read about the Russian Fairy tale Baba Yaga and watch a video. Finally we will read the famous Russian Fairy Tales: Fenist the Bright Falcon, The Tsarevna Frog, and Prince Ivan and Grey Wolf.

What All Fairy Tales Have In Common

Fairy tales are very old stories of magical events often passed down by word of mouth.

Characters: Typical fairy tale characters often include the following: princess, peasant, youngest sister, cruel older sisters, simpleton, cruel stepmother, giant, witch, talking animals, and magical helpers.

Settings: Typical fairy tale settings include: castles, cottages, mountains, rivers, forests, and gardens.

Fairy tale plots include:
Hero (or heroine) heroine has bad luck
Hero (or heroine) must perform impossible tasks
Hero (or heroine) must fight a villain
Hero (or heroine) meets magical helpers
Hero (or heroine) is treated badly
Hero (or heroine) is in danger
Magic spells
Transformations—animals turn into humans or humans turn into animals or objects such as trees or buildings.
Villain is punished.
Hero (or heroine) is rewarded with wealth
Hero (or heroine) is rewarded with a happy marriage
Things happen in threes (three battles, three tasks)

Russian Fairy Tales

So what are Russian Fairy Tales? The Folk-tale in general, and the Skazka in particular. They