I am doing research for a new book that takes place in Kiev, Ukraine. In my search I came across these awesome Russian fairy tales that I will share each day with you. Find the first part of the first story below:
Ilya Muromets
Ilya Muromets is like Lancelot, a legendary figure who was the greatest knight of the court and most represented the values it stood for. Legends about Muromets might have been created during the difficult period when Russia was under the Tatar yoke and ancient cities had to fight for their independence. Muromets is the subject of many ancient song-legends. Here is an interpretation of several stories.
According to one legend, Ilya Muromets, the son of a peasant family in the town of Murom(that’s where his name came from), was born a cripple who could not walk. His family left him lying on the great stove in their house every day when they went out to work.
One day when Ilya was alone, several men in old rags came to the house. “Good day, Ilya Muromets, good day, famous knight. You are the protector of the Russian land and invincible victor over enemies.”
Ilya replied to them gloomily: “Whom do you call a knight? Me, a cripple? I cannot walk, people laugh at me.”
The men persuaded him to stand up, chanting: “Get up, Ilya Muromets, joy to your eager heart, straighten your strong shoulders, stretch your quick legs.”
Suddenly Ilya became joyful and stood up. And, Oh! A miracle! He could walk, jump, dance and felt great power surge through his body. He was healed.
Meanwhile his elderly parents were trying to take out tree roots and stumps for a new field. They worked very hard, but were not successful. All of a sudden they heard a great noise, the ground shook, the forest cracked. It was Ilya who came to help them and did so very quickly.
The parents did not believe their eyes, “Is it you, dear son? Who gave you the strength and healed you?”
He replied: “Good day, my dear parents, several guests visited me today and gave me power beyond belief.”
Ilya chose a strong foal named Karushka and took good care of him, walked him, washed him and said to him, “You will be a knight’s horse and your duty will be difficult.”
In the smithy several masters hammered arms and armor for the knight Ilya. They made chain mail, a steel sword, a big lance and a purple shield. They asked him where he would go.
“My path is to the city of Kiev,” Ilya answered and after his equipment was ready he rode to Kiev.Enjoy!
Continued…
(If you like what you read here, you might also enjoy “Creative Musings” http://creativemusingsoflediar.com/, another blog of creative writing.)
Links:
“Russian Folklore” http://stpetersburg-guide.com/folk/ilya.shtml
“One of Kyives Oldest Tress” http://explorationart.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/one-of-kyives-oldest-trees/
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