The Fool and the Fish: A Tale from Russia

Taken from the collection of Alexander Afanasyev, the famed nineteenth-century Russian folklorist, The Fool and the Fish relates the story of lazy Ivan, the youngest of three brothers, who consider him a fool. When Ivan spares the life of a magical pike, his every wish is granted, and he ends up married to the Tsar's daughter...

The tale of the lucky fool is one that can be found in many cultures, and the theme of three brothers - the youngest of whom turns out to be the hero - is particularly prevalent in the Russian folk tradition. I have encountered this specific tale, in which the hero rides to see the Tsar on his enchanted stove, a number of times before, sometimes under this title, and sometimes as Emelya and the Pike. This lovely show more picture-book adaptation features Gennady Spirin's beautiful illustrations, with their medieval, tapestry-like sensibility. Well worth the time of any Russian folklore devotee. show less

I recently came across an article of the art of Russian artist Gennady Spinin . He was noted as having majestic artistry. How True!!!

Each and every book of his is incredibly detailed. Every book is a joy to behold. It takes awhile for me to read his books, because I am in awe of his talent and re-read each one.

I show the images of each of his book in the hope that those who see his talent will also be in awe!

The Fool and the Fish is a Russian folk tale. Spirin hails from a village outside of Moscow. He now lives with his family in Princeton, NJ. How I wish I had the funds to purchase one of his original paintings. Alas, I will continue to read every book he has illustrated -- as long as I can find them.

In this tale, there are three show more sons. One of the sons, Ivan is deemed a lazy fool. Coming upon a fish, he is amazed that all his wishes are deemed worthy of coming true. If Ivan wants to be transported across town, all he has to do is wish, and without a horse, he is transported,

When the Tsar learns of Ivan, the lazy fool who can make his wishes come true, he vows to find him. In doing so, Ivan calls for the fish to allow him to capture the heart of the Tsar's beautiful daughter. Infuriated, the Tsar casts them in a barrel thrown into the sea. Even this occurrence is short when Ivan calls upon the fish to transport them ashore to a castle larger than the Tsars. show less

Great illustrations and a fun fool tale. I like the refrain, Fish, Fish, grant my wish!

Ivan finds a fish that grants wishes.