The Scarlet Horseman

For almost two centuries, this poetic fairy tale has amused readers and taught that courage, honesty, and diligence will help a person find their happiness. Peasant son Ivan is not a hero or a handsome man, but he is simple, kind, and responsible. He received the Scarlet Horseman as a gift, who became his loyal companion.

With his help, Ivan, who entered the service of the royal stables, obtained the firebird by the king's order, brought back the ring of the Tsar's maiden, and then the beauty herself. Wishing to marry the Tsar's maiden, the decrepit king agreed to bathe in boiling water to become young again. He decided to test this remedy on Ivan. Again, the magical Scarlet Horseman rescued his master. Ivan emerged from the cauldron as a handsome man, and the king, inspired by his example, jumped into the cauldron and – alas! – boiled in the hot water. The peasant son married the Tsar's maiden. The beauty and the entire kingdom were given to the simple-hearted Ivan, while the treacherous envious ones were left with nothing. 

The light verse, sharp expressions, and fairy tale plot will appeal not only to children but also to adults.

After all, who among them didn't dream as a child of having a friend like the Scarlet Horseman?!