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Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov
For fans of fairy tales and the literary supernatural: a unique collection of Russian short stories from the last 200 years
In these folk tales, young women go on long and perilous quests, wicked stepmothers turn children into geese, and tsars ask dangerous riddles, with help or hindrance from magical dolls, cannibal witches, talking skulls, stolen wives, and brothers disguised as wise birds. Some of the stories here were collected by folklorists during the last two centuries, while the others are reworkings of oral tales by four of the greatest writers in Russian literature: Nadezhda Teffi, Pavel Bazhov, Andrey Platonov, and Alexander Pushkin, author of Eugene Onegin, the classic Russian novel in verse. Among the many classic stories included here are the tales of Baba Yaga, Vasilisa the Beautiful, Father Frost, and the Frog Princess.
In these folk tales, young women go on long and perilous quests, wicked stepmothers turn children into geese, and tsars ask dangerous riddles, with help or hindrance from magical dolls, cannibal witches, talking skulls, stolen wives, and brothers disguised as wise birds. Some of the stories here were collected by folklorists during the last two centuries, while the others are reworkings of oral tales by four of the greatest writers in Russian literature: Nadezhda Teffi, Pavel Bazhov, Andrey Platonov, and Alexander Pushkin, author of Eugene Onegin, the classic Russian novel in verse. Among the many classic stories included here are the tales of Baba Yaga, Vasilisa the Beautiful, Father Frost, and the Frog Princess.
466 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
64 people are currently reading
2803 people want to read
About the author
Robert Chandler
84 books78 followersRobert Chandler (b. 1953) is a British poet and translator. He is the editor of Russian Short Stories from Pushkin to Buida (Penguin) and the author of Alexander Pushkin (Hesperus).
His translations include numerous works by Andrei Platonov, Vasily Grossman's Life and Fate, and Pushkin's The Captain's Daughter. Chandler's co-translation of Platonov's Soul was chosen in 2004 as “best translation of the year from a Slavonic language” by the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages (AATSEEL). His translation of Hamid Ismailov’s The Railway won the AATSEEL prize for Best Translation into English in 2007,[1] and received a special commendation from the judges of the 2007 Rossica Translation Prize. Chandler’s translations of Sappho and Guillaume Apollinaire are published in the Everyman’s Poetry series.
His translations include numerous works by Andrei Platonov, Vasily Grossman's Life and Fate, and Pushkin's The Captain's Daughter. Chandler's co-translation of Platonov's Soul was chosen in 2004 as “best translation of the year from a Slavonic language” by the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages (AATSEEL). His translation of Hamid Ismailov’s The Railway won the AATSEEL prize for Best Translation into English in 2007,[1] and received a special commendation from the judges of the 2007 Rossica Translation Prize. Chandler’s translations of Sappho and Guillaume Apollinaire are published in the Everyman’s Poetry series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 24, 2015
What makes this book, Russian Magic Tales, especially enjoyable is the flavor of a wide variety of authors/folklorists whose work is included here. Not only are two of Pushkin's retellings of folktales present, as well as a good fistful of the classic Afansyev stories, but there are also a number of originals, and 20th century collections and writings from the Soviet period . I found those sensibilities often produced the best stories of all. Nadezhda Teffi was a Russian emigre in Paris in the years following the Revolution, and to her, the folktale was a way to preserve Russia in a land far away. The Dog in particular was heartbreaking--the language and pacing of folk tale but with a more modern Chekovian story to tell.
But all folktales are an amalgam of a long oral history, so the flavor of the personality and interests of the writer who selects are always added to any written versions. I found the later tales suited me even more than the earlier classics. Many a Soviet writer's life was saved by returning to the study of these ancient stories, whereby they both preserved the heart of the culture and the language in the midst of history's storm-- as well as letting the times break over them and past them, while they sank into the timeless world of the fairy tale. I would even be tempted to recommend one read this book backwards--starting with Platonov's (1899-1951) magic tales and working your way forward to the earlier works.
My favorite tales in the book are Platonov's-- Finist the Bright Falcon, which the book's editors explain is another 'face' of the Firebird, and the ghastly, thrilling tale 'No-Arms' about a woman whose brother chops off her arms--trying to behead her--when her sister in law says the girl has killed their baby. (Envy and betrayal of the good is a regular theme in many if not most of these Russian folktales--and violence is never far, as is help from animals and the dreadful Baba Yaga, whose house turns on chicken legs, and which the hero or heroine orders to stop, so they can enter.)
You breathe in an entire culture when you read its folktales. Every tale or group of tales is preceded by a description of the folklorist/collector or writer, and often points out some fascinating aspect of the story which would have been overlooked otherwise. A joyful thing for those who like Russian culture, who like folk tales and especially those who enjoy the more psychological aspects of these myths--they can certainly be read in a Jungian way as well, as the dreams of a culture.
But all folktales are an amalgam of a long oral history, so the flavor of the personality and interests of the writer who selects are always added to any written versions. I found the later tales suited me even more than the earlier classics. Many a Soviet writer's life was saved by returning to the study of these ancient stories, whereby they both preserved the heart of the culture and the language in the midst of history's storm-- as well as letting the times break over them and past them, while they sank into the timeless world of the fairy tale. I would even be tempted to recommend one read this book backwards--starting with Platonov's (1899-1951) magic tales and working your way forward to the earlier works.
My favorite tales in the book are Platonov's-- Finist the Bright Falcon, which the book's editors explain is another 'face' of the Firebird, and the ghastly, thrilling tale 'No-Arms' about a woman whose brother chops off her arms--trying to behead her--when her sister in law says the girl has killed their baby. (Envy and betrayal of the good is a regular theme in many if not most of these Russian folktales--and violence is never far, as is help from animals and the dreadful Baba Yaga, whose house turns on chicken legs, and which the hero or heroine orders to stop, so they can enter.)
You breathe in an entire culture when you read its folktales. Every tale or group of tales is preceded by a description of the folklorist/collector or writer, and often points out some fascinating aspect of the story which would have been overlooked otherwise. A joyful thing for those who like Russian culture, who like folk tales and especially those who enjoy the more psychological aspects of these myths--they can certainly be read in a Jungian way as well, as the dreams of a culture.
September 26, 2016
Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov, which presents ‘a unique collection of Russian folktales from the last 200 years’, is edited by Robert Chandler. Chandler informs us that in Russia, ‘where the oral tradition remained much stronger for a longer period, these magic tales retained their cultural importance’.
The informative introduction embraces not just Russian fairytales, but those from around the world. Chandler sets out the cultural differences between them and marvels at how the stories differ from one country to the next, as well as spanning the history and progress of such tales. A useful appendix has been included which gives explanations of all of the Russian words which find themselves within the text, and in this way the cultural understanding of the reader is broadened. An essay by Sibelan Forrester regarding the Baba Yaga interpretations in Russian folklore and literature has also been included, and this provides a lovely addition to the volume.
The volume’s blurb alone is inviting and intriguing in equal measure: ‘young women go on long and difficult quests, wicked stepmothers turn children into geese and tsars ask dangerous riddles, with help or hindrance from magical dolls, cannibal witches, talking skulls, stolen wives, and brothers disguised as wise birds’. Half of the stories presented here have been collected by folklorists over the past two centuries, whilst the others are reworkings of oral tales by famous Russian authors, who include Alexander Pushkin, Nadezhda Teffi, Pavel Bazhov and Andrey Platonov.
The collection has been split into seven different sections, all of which pertain to tales written by a single author, or which come under the categories of ‘The First Folktale Collections’, ‘Early Twentieth-Century Collections’ and ‘Folktale Collections from the Soviet Period’. A biography has been included for each separate author before the story or stories of theirs which are featured in Russian Magic Tales, and the majority of these talk, in some detail, about the fascinations with folklore and fairytales which have been present since many of the authors’ childhoods.
The tales themselves range from the well-known – ‘Jack Frost’ and the portrayal of the witch ‘Baba Yaga’ – to those which are firmly set within the realms of Russian culture and geography and are not so well known outside it – ‘The Tsarevna Who Would Not Laugh’, ‘The Pike’s Command’ and ‘The Stone Flower’. In this way, the sense of place created is strong from the start. Each provides a variety of different styles, from the narrative and prose techniques used to the information which they include. Pushkin’s stories are told in verse, Onchukov’s in a traditional ‘once upon a time’ format, Ozarovskaya’s in rather a matter-of-fact style and Zelenin’s sole story in the collection takes the format of a numerical list.
Magical elements of many different kinds are woven throughout the collection. From the first page we meet talking fish and birds, witches and wizards, and magical spells. All of the classic fairytale elements can be found within the book’s pages – poverty and wealth, unfairness, cruelty, death, orphans, royalty and commonfolk, the discrepancies between the young and the elderly, incest, and the eventual triumph of good over evil. There are retellings of ‘The Frog Prince’ and ‘Cinderella’, and although we in the English-speaking world know some of the tales relatively well, the stories are incredibly clever and provide many unexpected twists and turns.
In a story entitled ‘Vasilisa the Fair’, the darker elements of magical tales are ever present: ‘Late in the evening she came to baba yaga’s hut. Round the hut was a fence made of bones. Skulls with empty eyeholes looked down from the stakes. The gate was made from the bones of people’s legs, the bolts were thumbs and fingers, and the lock was a mouth with sharp teeth’.
Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov is a wonderful read for anyone interested in fairytales and folklore, or who merely wants to broaden their horizons with regard to Russian authors. A great introduction to a wealth of Russian authors is provided here, and there is sure to be a tale which will delight everyone in this collection. The stories have been ordered incredibly well, and the collection is easy to dip in and out of. Reading the volume feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, and Chandler has achieved just the right balance of both.
The informative introduction embraces not just Russian fairytales, but those from around the world. Chandler sets out the cultural differences between them and marvels at how the stories differ from one country to the next, as well as spanning the history and progress of such tales. A useful appendix has been included which gives explanations of all of the Russian words which find themselves within the text, and in this way the cultural understanding of the reader is broadened. An essay by Sibelan Forrester regarding the Baba Yaga interpretations in Russian folklore and literature has also been included, and this provides a lovely addition to the volume.
The volume’s blurb alone is inviting and intriguing in equal measure: ‘young women go on long and difficult quests, wicked stepmothers turn children into geese and tsars ask dangerous riddles, with help or hindrance from magical dolls, cannibal witches, talking skulls, stolen wives, and brothers disguised as wise birds’. Half of the stories presented here have been collected by folklorists over the past two centuries, whilst the others are reworkings of oral tales by famous Russian authors, who include Alexander Pushkin, Nadezhda Teffi, Pavel Bazhov and Andrey Platonov.
The collection has been split into seven different sections, all of which pertain to tales written by a single author, or which come under the categories of ‘The First Folktale Collections’, ‘Early Twentieth-Century Collections’ and ‘Folktale Collections from the Soviet Period’. A biography has been included for each separate author before the story or stories of theirs which are featured in Russian Magic Tales, and the majority of these talk, in some detail, about the fascinations with folklore and fairytales which have been present since many of the authors’ childhoods.
The tales themselves range from the well-known – ‘Jack Frost’ and the portrayal of the witch ‘Baba Yaga’ – to those which are firmly set within the realms of Russian culture and geography and are not so well known outside it – ‘The Tsarevna Who Would Not Laugh’, ‘The Pike’s Command’ and ‘The Stone Flower’. In this way, the sense of place created is strong from the start. Each provides a variety of different styles, from the narrative and prose techniques used to the information which they include. Pushkin’s stories are told in verse, Onchukov’s in a traditional ‘once upon a time’ format, Ozarovskaya’s in rather a matter-of-fact style and Zelenin’s sole story in the collection takes the format of a numerical list.
Magical elements of many different kinds are woven throughout the collection. From the first page we meet talking fish and birds, witches and wizards, and magical spells. All of the classic fairytale elements can be found within the book’s pages – poverty and wealth, unfairness, cruelty, death, orphans, royalty and commonfolk, the discrepancies between the young and the elderly, incest, and the eventual triumph of good over evil. There are retellings of ‘The Frog Prince’ and ‘Cinderella’, and although we in the English-speaking world know some of the tales relatively well, the stories are incredibly clever and provide many unexpected twists and turns.
In a story entitled ‘Vasilisa the Fair’, the darker elements of magical tales are ever present: ‘Late in the evening she came to baba yaga’s hut. Round the hut was a fence made of bones. Skulls with empty eyeholes looked down from the stakes. The gate was made from the bones of people’s legs, the bolts were thumbs and fingers, and the lock was a mouth with sharp teeth’.
Russian Magic Tales from Pushkin to Platonov is a wonderful read for anyone interested in fairytales and folklore, or who merely wants to broaden their horizons with regard to Russian authors. A great introduction to a wealth of Russian authors is provided here, and there is sure to be a tale which will delight everyone in this collection. The stories have been ordered incredibly well, and the collection is easy to dip in and out of. Reading the volume feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, and Chandler has achieved just the right balance of both.
May 31, 2020
This anthology should've included only literary fairy tales and not also folktales, because there's already many collections of Russian folktales out there, much better and with a wider selection than this. But, on the other hand, it's harder to find a collection of original & literary fairy tales by Russian authors, and those out there are usually from a single author instead of a compilation from several authors.
Also, many of the folktales selected for this anthology aren't even originally Russian but adaptations of Grimm tales, modified to suit Russia. Furthermore, it doesn't make sense to include Ivan Bilibin here without his gorgeous illustrations. This may have been a matter of copyright, but this is Penguin and I'm sure they could've got authorisation to reprint them. Bilibin is famous for his illustrations, after all, so why even include him without his magnum opus?
Also, many of the folktales selected for this anthology aren't even originally Russian but adaptations of Grimm tales, modified to suit Russia. Furthermore, it doesn't make sense to include Ivan Bilibin here without his gorgeous illustrations. This may have been a matter of copyright, but this is Penguin and I'm sure they could've got authorisation to reprint them. Bilibin is famous for his illustrations, after all, so why even include him without his magnum opus?
December 8, 2012
I adored this book, having been an avid follower of fairy tales and myths in their original and updated form (think Marina Warner/Angela Carter) I wasn't really cognisant of Russian folk tales and my word what a mixed, rich and varied bag. This was an outstanding collection which makes me want to read more Russian authors, not just necessarily fairy tales and yet as a stand alone book is brilliant for dipping into as well as an introdyuction to Russian writing.
February 3, 2021
I really like this collection of Russian tales. The translations were mostly very good, with an old-fashioned tone despite being modern.
I will note there were, of course, some upsetting things. Occasionally it uses very disgusting words to discribe women, which I felt wre most likely not in the original. I also didn't like that it calls Russia 'backwords' - if you are collecting tales from any country, you should have respect for its culture, and not say such derogatory things about it.
However, this collection has much information on the stories. The appendix about Baba Yaga was very interesting and informative. I will have to look into some of the sources cited.
I will note there were, of course, some upsetting things. Occasionally it uses very disgusting words to discribe women, which I felt wre most likely not in the original. I also didn't like that it calls Russia 'backwords' - if you are collecting tales from any country, you should have respect for its culture, and not say such derogatory things about it.
However, this collection has much information on the stories. The appendix about Baba Yaga was very interesting and informative. I will have to look into some of the sources cited.
September 20, 2017
‘Late in the evening she came to baba yaga’s hut. Round the hut was a fence made of bones. Skulls with empty eyeholes looked down from the stakes. The gate was made from the bones of people’s legs, the bolts were thumbs and fingers, and the lock was a mouth with sharp teeth’.
January 1, 2018
"Deep, deep in the forest, between blue forget-me-nots, I'll catch you on my hook, hook you on my line. And soon, stranger, soon, you'll be dancing to my pipe, dancing to my tune."
This compilation includes a rather staggering amount of Russian fairy tales from a wide variety of authors/collectors of oral folktales. The book is divided into different sections, each of which includes detailed backgrounds of the featured authors. This setup, along with the book's inclusion of a strong introduction and helpful footnotes, makes this anthology a must if you're interested in fairy and folk tales and/or Russian Literature of any genre. I found myself recognizing many of the stories from other fairy tale compilations I've read from different parts of the world. The nature of folktales makes some sections of the book feel repetitious, but that's to be expected.
Content note: This collection is intended for adult readers, and the inclusion of a smattering of strong language and adult situations (some violence, mainly) cements this.
Related Reads
The Juniper Tree: And Other Tales from Grimm
This compilation includes a rather staggering amount of Russian fairy tales from a wide variety of authors/collectors of oral folktales. The book is divided into different sections, each of which includes detailed backgrounds of the featured authors. This setup, along with the book's inclusion of a strong introduction and helpful footnotes, makes this anthology a must if you're interested in fairy and folk tales and/or Russian Literature of any genre. I found myself recognizing many of the stories from other fairy tale compilations I've read from different parts of the world. The nature of folktales makes some sections of the book feel repetitious, but that's to be expected.
Content note: This collection is intended for adult readers, and the inclusion of a smattering of strong language and adult situations (some violence, mainly) cements this.
Related Reads
The Juniper Tree: And Other Tales from Grimm
January 14, 2020
Good if you’re writing an essay on the subject, not so good if you grew up with Russian tales. Translation is lacking and editing/organization leaves much to be desired.
December 30, 2022
Not at all a very readable book, if anything the most exactly copied folktales are often the dumbest and most boring ones. But, you do learn a lot along the way about russian storytelling and how many tsars there can be. Seemingly one for every valley and pond. The sea also features regularly, strange for a country that is mostly made up out of endless stretches of land that become impassable in the deep north and the relatively small coastlines of the Baltic, black and Caspian sea on the other sides. The modern writers, starting with Pushkin, who wrote their own folktales are by far the most entertaining.
Also these things:
I was there, I drank all the mead, it all got in my moustache, nothing in my mouth.
Everything happens in threesomes and never kill an animal when you're hungry, they can help you later.
Baba Yaga's house walks around on chicken legs and Colchey the deathless is not actually immortal, only one thing can kill him.
Life is cruel; god is there but he doesnt wanna deal with you until you die apparently.
Also these things:
I was there, I drank all the mead, it all got in my moustache, nothing in my mouth.
Everything happens in threesomes and never kill an animal when you're hungry, they can help you later.
Baba Yaga's house walks around on chicken legs and Colchey the deathless is not actually immortal, only one thing can kill him.
Life is cruel; god is there but he doesnt wanna deal with you until you die apparently.
September 11, 2017
Collection from a good variety of historical periods and was well edited and organized. What I appreciated most though was the excellent editing job and thorough endnotes that really fill out the context of each of the stories.
July 22, 2023
This is such a fun and interesting read. Some stories read like someone telling you about a dream they had once, but just as many feel like fascinating insights into Russian culture through these epic stories.
Well edited, well introduced and well discussed.
Well edited, well introduced and well discussed.
March 28, 2018
Spectacularly translated Russian Fairy Tales, with footnotes.
September 25, 2023
An excellent introduction to Russian folktales.
December 29, 2023
I'm pretty sure this is meant to be used as an academic text. It's repetitive, and the charm wore off around page 150.
May 21, 2025
Author:
Notes: the author was most probably criticizing Stalin.
——
I would recommend the magic tales are read but from a different edition/publishing house. The gasping at straws to criticize the ussr at every turn so needlessly and without context made me want to throw the book. The way Westerners think they can speak of another country’s politics is so disgusting. They want the boogeyman of the ussr/stalin to exist, they want to believe in a world where this “immeasurable evil” existed so they can keep vilifying a whole people while masquerading as the keepers of the culture. It’s just so repugnant. So much “analysis” and they didn’t notice that in the earlier tales the Tsars were “the prince charming” and later on they were only greedy people with lots of money. “The author is obliquely criticizing Stalin”.
Notes: the author was most probably criticizing Stalin.
——
I would recommend the magic tales are read but from a different edition/publishing house. The gasping at straws to criticize the ussr at every turn so needlessly and without context made me want to throw the book. The way Westerners think they can speak of another country’s politics is so disgusting. They want the boogeyman of the ussr/stalin to exist, they want to believe in a world where this “immeasurable evil” existed so they can keep vilifying a whole people while masquerading as the keepers of the culture. It’s just so repugnant. So much “analysis” and they didn’t notice that in the earlier tales the Tsars were “the prince charming” and later on they were only greedy people with lots of money. “The author is obliquely criticizing Stalin”.
October 17, 2018
This book, a collection of tales deftly edited and translated by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler, is a delight to read, and is guaranteed to provide many hours of entertainment for those who possess a taste for folklore and fairy tale. The Russian folkloric tradition is a particularly rich and captivating one, and this sizeable volume manages to introduce English-speaking readers to many stories that they may not previously have encountered, although one of the recurrent characters – Baba Yaga – will be well known by name if nothing else.
It brings together a selection of stories written by a number of the most gifted Russian writers to have put their own personal spin on traditional themes and stories, as well as oral tales collected by the Russian equivalent of the Grimm brothers – nineteenth-century folklorist Aleksandr Afanasyev. Amongst the more well-known examples provided by Afanasyev are Vasilisa the Fair, and The Frog Princess, both of which you may be aware of through illustrations rather than having read the stories themselves. Talking of which, many of you will doubtless have happened upon the enchanting folktale illustrations created by Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin, who also provides a contribution to this book in the form of his interpretation of Ivan Tsarevich, the Grey Wolf and the Firebird. As the book also provides some biographical details relating to the featured authors, it was sad to learn that Bilibin died in the Siege of Leningrad in 1942 after having returned to Soviet Russia in 1936 after a long period of exile. A personal tragedy amidst millions of others.
A particular favourite of mine in this selection is Pushkin’s A Tale about a Fisherman and a Fish, which raised a wry smile. A nice little morality tale if ever there was one, and just as apt today as ever it has been.
It brings together a selection of stories written by a number of the most gifted Russian writers to have put their own personal spin on traditional themes and stories, as well as oral tales collected by the Russian equivalent of the Grimm brothers – nineteenth-century folklorist Aleksandr Afanasyev. Amongst the more well-known examples provided by Afanasyev are Vasilisa the Fair, and The Frog Princess, both of which you may be aware of through illustrations rather than having read the stories themselves. Talking of which, many of you will doubtless have happened upon the enchanting folktale illustrations created by Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin, who also provides a contribution to this book in the form of his interpretation of Ivan Tsarevich, the Grey Wolf and the Firebird. As the book also provides some biographical details relating to the featured authors, it was sad to learn that Bilibin died in the Siege of Leningrad in 1942 after having returned to Soviet Russia in 1936 after a long period of exile. A personal tragedy amidst millions of others.
A particular favourite of mine in this selection is Pushkin’s A Tale about a Fisherman and a Fish, which raised a wry smile. A nice little morality tale if ever there was one, and just as apt today as ever it has been.
April 8, 2016
I read this over a couple of months, picking it up and putting it down around other books.
The first thing I will say is if you don't know anything about baba yaga, then I think you will benefit from reading the information about her in the appendix, or 'Baba Yaga (1947 Article)' which is at the end of Part Four, prior to starting the book.
It's difficult (and irrelevant?) to attach a rating for such a vast array of stories spread over a fairly long period of time. As with all large story collections, I found it a bit hit & miss (although admittedly definitely more hits than misses). I loved the quirky short tales at the beginning, and enjoyed many of the original (to me) stories throughout as I hadn't read this genre before; but later I found some of the tales a bit repetitive -especially in the very last part.
However, one story that stuck in my mind (along with a couple of others) was 'The Dog (a story from a stranger)'. Whether it was because it seemed so different from the others, or because the characters appeared more 'real' I don't know - but it was definitely one of my favourites.
I am glad I read this book, and I think if you are interested in Russian literature and history then this can only enhance your understanding and appreciation of the culture.
The first thing I will say is if you don't know anything about baba yaga, then I think you will benefit from reading the information about her in the appendix, or 'Baba Yaga (1947 Article)' which is at the end of Part Four, prior to starting the book.
It's difficult (and irrelevant?) to attach a rating for such a vast array of stories spread over a fairly long period of time. As with all large story collections, I found it a bit hit & miss (although admittedly definitely more hits than misses). I loved the quirky short tales at the beginning, and enjoyed many of the original (to me) stories throughout as I hadn't read this genre before; but later I found some of the tales a bit repetitive -especially in the very last part.
However, one story that stuck in my mind (along with a couple of others) was 'The Dog (a story from a stranger)'. Whether it was because it seemed so different from the others, or because the characters appeared more 'real' I don't know - but it was definitely one of my favourites.
I am glad I read this book, and I think if you are interested in Russian literature and history then this can only enhance your understanding and appreciation of the culture.
June 10, 2017
Absolutely fantastic collection of tales that includes both original Russian folk tales collected by Russian folklorists and ethnographers, and Russian folk tales retellings (or "reworkings") by such masters as Aleksandr Pushkin, Pavel Petrovich Bazhov, or Nadezhda Teffi. Each section is preceded by a biographical note about the author, and the whole collection also includes a bibliography and comments on alternate versions. Definitely worth reading!
May 4, 2013
Certainly a unique collection. It is also a very large collection but as many of the stories are similar a smaller selection would have appealed more to me.
October 28, 2018
I specially liked the idea of reading the same tale a couple of times with variations. It is a wonderful book.
April 12, 2021
this ivan bloke gets around a bit
November 26, 2017
Though many stories suffer quite a bit due to inability to fully convert/translate cultural and simply linguistic aspects of names of characters or rhymes found in slavic speaking forms and their branches' respective folklore, this set still remains an interesting introduction and explanation of the central and eastern european tales children hear or read about when young (or at least used to) for those english speaking who want to understand european landscape of common and highly specific folk tales and nursery rhymes that exist and shape cultural traits continent wide. After all, besides the well-known Grimm's Tales or their several anglo-saxon derivatives, there were many more linguistic groups, cultural aspects and regional differences that influenced several tales. While not as well known as those Grimms' ones or various mythologies, from scandinavian/germanic to roman and greek ones, these slavic ones (most popular among russian area as the title suggests) are fairly important to grasp the aspects of cultural diversity throughout Europe, both north to south and west to east. And this is really well depicted and explained here, with references to similarities between those better known worldwide and those localised religious and folk tales, thus shedding light on how and what Europeans are more prone to be or have been taught as children.
November 8, 2022
This was a very enjoyable and informative book. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Russian culture.
There are folk tales and then literary stories inspired by folktales. While it was interesting looking at the differences between the "real" folktales, the literary stories were really eye-opening.
I had read Teffi's memoir of fleeing Russia during the Civil War and found it fascinating. That didn't prepare me for the sophistication and charm of her fantasy stories. "The Dog" would have made a wonderful Twilight Zone story.
The real surprise was Pavel Bazhov. I had seen the Soviet movie "The Stone Flower" and liked it, but Bazhov's original stories of magic spirits in the Ural mountains were really terrific. Bazhov should be recognized as a giant of world fantasy literature.
Platonov's stories were good and smoothly told, and I had the impression that the editor liked his works best, but to me Bazhov's works were the real discovery here.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Russian Literature and Fantasy.
There are folk tales and then literary stories inspired by folktales. While it was interesting looking at the differences between the "real" folktales, the literary stories were really eye-opening.
I had read Teffi's memoir of fleeing Russia during the Civil War and found it fascinating. That didn't prepare me for the sophistication and charm of her fantasy stories. "The Dog" would have made a wonderful Twilight Zone story.
The real surprise was Pavel Bazhov. I had seen the Soviet movie "The Stone Flower" and liked it, but Bazhov's original stories of magic spirits in the Ural mountains were really terrific. Bazhov should be recognized as a giant of world fantasy literature.
Platonov's stories were good and smoothly told, and I had the impression that the editor liked his works best, but to me Bazhov's works were the real discovery here.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Russian Literature and Fantasy.
September 1, 2020
'A story, it appears, is stronger than a tsar.' That's a quote from the final page of the final story in this book. Quite a claim, coming from a country and a time when tsar's were all powerful and believed to be annointed by God. It just shows how important stories and storytellers were and are in Russia in particular and in other countries more generally.
Most, but not all, of the magic tales in this incomparable selection hail from the dim and distant past and tell us so much about the world view and moral codes of the people who created and listened to them. At first passed on by word of mouth and later written down, they provide the modern reader with a window into the past and help us learn about people that left precious little else behind them.
The best thing about them though is that they are so entertaining and full of bizarre happenings. I could follow that statement with a list of examples, but no. Just read the book and enjoy these amazing stories for yourself.
Most, but not all, of the magic tales in this incomparable selection hail from the dim and distant past and tell us so much about the world view and moral codes of the people who created and listened to them. At first passed on by word of mouth and later written down, they provide the modern reader with a window into the past and help us learn about people that left precious little else behind them.
The best thing about them though is that they are so entertaining and full of bizarre happenings. I could follow that statement with a list of examples, but no. Just read the book and enjoy these amazing stories for yourself.
September 21, 2021
A volume of Russian folk stories that runs the gamut from old tales told in villages (collected in the nineteenth century) to twentieth-century pieces, with good blurbs in between about the authors and collectors of the stories. I enjoyed the book for the most part, though at times it felt a little repetitive. If there’s one thing these stories have taught me about Russia, it’s that everything happens in threes.
The better stories for me were the newer ones, which were some mix of collected stories and original work more inspired by the oral tradition than of it. You have to read the old stories a bit “anthropologically”; reading old fiction does remind me that people have made meaningful advances in how to structure plots and narratives. I liked best “The Dog,” “A Cock and Bull Story” (short, but great punch line), and the trio of stories about the Mistress of the Copper Mountain.
The better stories for me were the newer ones, which were some mix of collected stories and original work more inspired by the oral tradition than of it. You have to read the old stories a bit “anthropologically”; reading old fiction does remind me that people have made meaningful advances in how to structure plots and narratives. I liked best “The Dog,” “A Cock and Bull Story” (short, but great punch line), and the trio of stories about the Mistress of the Copper Mountain.
November 12, 2018
These tales are as earthy as they are magical, as educational as they are entertaining. I learned some interesting Russian words and phrases and one or two colourful anatomical words that I can't repeat here - but you only have to scribble a few words out before terrifying the kids to sleep. And you better gird yourself for when you meet Baba Yaga, the cannibal witch who travels in a pestle and mortar and resides in the spinning shack that walks on chicken legs, 'cause you're gonna lose your heart to her. There's a fascinating essay about her with some surprising insights and speculations on her historical origins and representations in this very thorough book of almost 500 pages of folk tales.
September 23, 2024
From Nadezhda Teffi’s 1947 article on Baba Yaga:
“[Baba Yaga] knew only too well that every human approach brought with it deception and hurt.
‘I can smell the smell of a Russian’ meant that she could expect trouble.
Some ‘brave young hero’ would tell her a pack of lies, make some false promises, discover from her all that he needed to know, cheat her and somehow manage to slip away. She could expect neither gratitude nor honest payment.
And every time she heard the words of the spell, every time the hut turned round on its chicken’s legs, Yaga knew there was going to be trouble. And every time, she still stupidly believed in the honesty of the human soul: ‘It’s just not possible. They can’t all be like that.’”
“[Baba Yaga] knew only too well that every human approach brought with it deception and hurt.
‘I can smell the smell of a Russian’ meant that she could expect trouble.
Some ‘brave young hero’ would tell her a pack of lies, make some false promises, discover from her all that he needed to know, cheat her and somehow manage to slip away. She could expect neither gratitude nor honest payment.
And every time she heard the words of the spell, every time the hut turned round on its chicken’s legs, Yaga knew there was going to be trouble. And every time, she still stupidly believed in the honesty of the human soul: ‘It’s just not possible. They can’t all be like that.’”
June 25, 2022
I have read several translations of Russian literature and I find his to be the best so far. Having read the short story book "Pushkin to Buida" I was looking forward to reading The Magic Tales and I was not disappointed.
The tales were interesting and introduced the reader to new Russian writers and their view of the folktales starting with Pushkin who was the initial pioneer of this genre. Some of the stories were reminiscent of Grimm's fairy tales but I enjoyed the Russian interpretation
An enjoyable read and a good introduction for someone new to Russian literature.
The tales were interesting and introduced the reader to new Russian writers and their view of the folktales starting with Pushkin who was the initial pioneer of this genre. Some of the stories were reminiscent of Grimm's fairy tales but I enjoyed the Russian interpretation
An enjoyable read and a good introduction for someone new to Russian literature.
November 22, 2018
I thought this was great and gave a lot of valuable information on the mythology of Russia and how it is influenced by time and place. The translations themselves proved to be quite a lot of fun as one would be reading along with "once upon a time" and come across adult curse words or other strange examples that seem out of place. Was highly enjoyable and informative; I would recommend it to anyone interested in fairy tales or wants a collection of fun stories.
August 28, 2025
Sometimes these chronologically ordered collections of folk tales / short stories can make for tricky reading.
Something about these tales won me over. Way more use of the C word than I expected. Often brutal, and funny too.
The summaries of the folktale collector's lives was a reminder not to take the preservation of any story for granted.
Something about these tales won me over. Way more use of the C word than I expected. Often brutal, and funny too.
The summaries of the folktale collector's lives was a reminder not to take the preservation of any story for granted.
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