# Russian Folktales — Character guide

> Key figures in Russian Folktales by A. N. Afanasyev.

- [Iván Tsarévich](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/ivan_tsarevich.md): A prince who undertakes quests, battles monsters, and wins princesses.
- [Bába Yagá](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/baba_yaga.md): A fearsome witch who lives in a hut on chicken legs and aids or tests heroes.
- [Vasilísa the Fair](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/vasilisa_the_fair.md): A beautiful and clever maiden who overcomes trials with kindness and magic.
- [Ilyá Múromets](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/ilya_muromets.md): A legendary knight and hero who defends Russia from monsters and enemies.
- [Alyósha Popóvich](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/alysha_popovich.md): A bold and cunning knight, often companion to Ilyá Múromets.
- [Koshchéy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/koschey.md): An immortal sorcerer who kidnaps princesses and must be outwitted.
- [Márya Moryévna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/marya_morevna.md): A warrior princess who captures and imprisons Koshchéy.
- [The Grey Wolf](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_grey_wolf.md): A magical wolf who aids Iván Tsarévich with advice and speed.
- [Vasilísa the Wise](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/vasilisa_the_wise.md): A clever princess who solves riddles and helps the Sea Tsar's hero.
- [The Sea Tsar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_sea_tsar.md): Ruler of the underwater realm who sets tasks for heroes.
- [Ivánushka](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/ivanushka.md): A simpleton or youngest son who often succeeds through luck or kindness.
- [Mark the Rich](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/mark_the_rich.md): A wealthy merchant whose greed leads to adventures and lessons.
- [Sorrow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/sorrow.md): A personified force of grief that clings to a man until outwitted.
- [The Nightingale Robber](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_nightingale_robber.md): A monstrous bandit who kills with his whistle, defeated by Ilyá Múromets.
- [Svyatogór](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/svyatogor.md): A giant knight of immense strength who mentors Ilyá Múromets.
- [Tsar Angéy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/tsar_angy.md): A proud tsar humbled by a prophecy and a magical punishment.
- [Donotknow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/donotknow.md): A mysterious boy who answers every question with 'I don't know'.
- [Chufíl - Fílyushka](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/chufil_filyushka.md): A small, clever creature who helps or tricks other characters.
- [Zamorýshek](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/zamoryshek.md): A tiny but resourceful boy who outwits Bába Yagá.
- [The Woodsprite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_woodsprite.md): A forest spirit who misleads travelers or tests their wits.
- [Princess Eléna the Fair](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/princess_elena.md): A beautiful princess sought by many suitors, often in peril.
- [The Bear](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_bear.md): A talking bear who appears in animal tales, sometimes helpful or foolish.
- [The Fox](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_fox.md): A cunning fox who tricks other animals in folktales.
- [The Wolf](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_wolf.md): A hungry wolf often outwitted by other animals or humans.
- [The Cock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_cock.md): A rooster who appears in tales as a brave or foolish bird.
- [The Goose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_goose.md): Geese that sometimes carry children or appear in magical tales.
- [The Ram](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_ram.md): A ram that appears in animal stories, often as a victim or trickster.
- [The Bull](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_bull.md): A bull that features in tales of strength or sacrifice.
- [The Pig](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_pig.md): A pig that appears in humorous or moral animal tales.
- [The Dog](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_dog.md): A dog that appears in tales of loyalty or foolishness.
- [The Cat](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_cat.md): A cat that appears in animal tales, often clever or lazy.
- [The Ox](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_ox.md): An ox that appears in tales of work or sacrifice.
- [The Swan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_swan.md): A magical swan that appears in transformation tales.
- [Crow Crowson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/crow_crowson.md): A talking crow who delivers messages or aids heroes.
- [The Sun](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_sun.md): Personified sun that appears in creation or quest tales.
- [The Moon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_moon.md): Personified moon that appears in folktales alongside the sun.
- [Death](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/death.md): Personified death who is tricked or bargained with by soldiers.
- [The Devil](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_devil.md): A devil who tempts or is outwitted by humans in moral tales.
- [St. Nicholas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/st_nicholas.md): A saint who helps the poor and punishes the greedy in tales.
- [Elijah the Prophet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/elijah_the_prophet.md): A prophet who rides a chariot and brings thunder or blessings.
- [Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/christ.md): Jesus appears in folktales as a wandering teacher or miracle worker.
- [The Brother of Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_brother_of_christ.md): A figure who travels with Christ and learns humility.
- [Alexander of Macedon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/alexander_of_macedon.md): The historical conqueror appears in a legendary Russian tale.
- [Iván the Terrible](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/ivan_the_terrible.md): The tsar appears in historical legends and folktales.
- [Prince Vladímir](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/prince_vladimir.md): The prince of Kíev who hosts heroes and feasts.
- [The Tsarítsa Harpist](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_tsaritsa_harpist.md): A tsaritsa who plays the harp and solves riddles.
- [The Potter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_potter.md): A potter who outwits a devil or a tsar in a tale.
- [The Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_smith.md): A blacksmith who forges magical items or tricks devils.
- [The Judge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_judge.md): A corrupt or foolish judge in satirical tales.
- [The General](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_general.md): A military officer who appears in tales of soldiers and tsars.
- [The Servant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_servant.md): A loyal or clever servant who aids a master in tales.
- [The Master](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_master.md): A generic master figure in tales of servants and animals.
- [The Priest](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_priest.md): A priest who appears in tales of faith or greed.
- [The Soldier](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_soldier.md): A common soldier who outwits death, devils, or tsars.
- [The Tsar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_tsar.md): A generic tsar who sets tasks or rewards heroes.
- [The Tsarévna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_tsarevna.md): A generic princess who marries the hero.
- [The Boy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_boy.md): A young boy who appears as a protagonist in several tales.
- [The Fair Maiden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_fair_maiden.md): A generic beautiful maiden who is rescued or sought.
- [The Cossack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_cossack.md): A Cossack warrior who appears in adventure tales.
- [The Old Woman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_old_woman.md): An old woman who gives advice or magical gifts.
- [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_old_man.md): An old man who appears as a helper or father figure.
- [The Youngest Son](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_youngest_son.md): A youngest son who succeeds where older brothers fail.
- [The Stepmother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_stepmother.md): A cruel stepmother who mistreats her stepchildren.
- [The Witch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_witch.md): A witch who casts spells or threatens children.
- [The Dragon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_dragon.md): A multi-headed dragon that battles heroes.
- [The Firebird](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_firebird.md): A magical bird with glowing feathers, sought by princes.
- [The Talking Bird](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_talking_bird.md): A bird that speaks and reveals secrets or truths.
- [The Singing Tree](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_singing_tree.md): A magical tree that sings and is sought by heroes.
- [The Crystal Apple](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_crystal_apple.md): A magical apple that reveals distant lands or truths.
- [The Silver Saucer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_silver_saucer.md): A magical saucer that shows visions of the world.
- [The Dun Cow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_dun_cow.md): A magical cow that provides endless milk or aid.
- [The Miraculous Hen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_miraculous_hen.md): A hen that lays golden eggs or grants wishes.
- [The Pike](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_pike.md): A magical pike that grants wishes when caught and released.
- [Emelya](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_emelya.md): A lazy peasant who catches a magical pike and gains wishes.
- [The Fool](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_fool.md): A simpleton who succeeds through luck or innocence.
- [The King](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_king.md): A generic king who appears in various folktales.
- [The Queen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_queen.md): A generic queen who appears in various folktales.
- [The Prince](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_prince.md): A generic prince who marries a princess or goes on quests.
- [The Princess](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/the_princess.md): A generic princess who is rescued or marries a hero.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters