Emilian the Fool
by W. R. S. Ralston · from Russian Folk Tales
Original Story
Emilian The Fool
EMILIAN THE FOOL.[351]
There were once three brothers, of whom two were sharp-witted,
but the third was a fool. The elder brothers set off to
sell their goods in the towns down the river,[352] and said to the
fool:
"Now mind, fool! obey our wives, and pay them respect as
if they were your own mothers. We'll buy you red boots, and
a red caftan, and a red shirt."
The fool said to them:
"Very good; I will pay them respect."
They gave the fool their orders and went away to the downstream
towns; but the fool stretched himself on top of the stove
and remained lying there. His brothers' wives say to him--
"What are you about, fool! your brothers ordered you to
pay us respect, and in return for that each of them was going to
bring you a present, but there you lie on the stove and don't do
a bit of work. Go and fetch some water, at all events."
The fool took a couple of pails and went to fetch the water.
As he scooped it up, a pike happened to get into his pail. Says
the fool:
"Glory to God! now I will cook this pike, and will eat it all
myself; I won't give a bit of it to my sisters-in-law. I'm savage
with them!"
The pike says to him with a human voice:
"Don't eat me, fool! if you'll put me back again into the
water you shall have good luck!"
Says the fool, "What sort of good luck shall I get from
you?"
"Why, this sort of good luck: whatever you say, that shall
be done. Say, for instance, 'By the Pike's command, at my
request, go home, ye pails, and be set in your places.'"
As soon as the fool had said this, the pails immediately
went home of their own accord and became set in their places.
The sisters-in-law looked and wondered.
"What sort of a fool is this!" they say. "Why, he's so
knowing, you see, that his pails have come home and gone to
their places of their own accord!"
The fool came back and lay down on the stove. Again did
his brothers' wives begin saying to him--
"What are you lying on the stove for, fool? there's no wood
for the fire; go and fetch some."
The fool took two axes and got into a sledge, but without
harnessing a horse to it.
"By the Pike's command," he says, "at my request, drive,
into the forest, O sledge!"
Away went the sledge at a rattling pace, as if urged on by
some one. The fool had to pass by a town, and the people he
met were jammed into corners by his horseless sledge in a way
that was perfectly awful. They all began crying out:
"Stop him! Catch him!"
But they couldn't lay hands on him. The fool drove into
the forest, got out of the sledge, sat down on a log, and said--
"One of you axes fell the trees, while the other cuts them
up into billets."
Well, the firewood was cut up and piled on the sledge. Then
says the fool:
"Now then, one of you axes! go and cut me a cudgel,[353] as
heavy a one as I can lift."
The axe went and cut him a cudgel, and the cudgel came
and lay on top of the load.
The fool took his seat and drove off. He drove by the
town, but the townspeople had met together and had been looking
out for him for ever so long. So they stopped the fool, laid
hands upon him, and began pulling him about. Says the fool--
"By the Pike's command, at my request, go, O cudgel, and
bestir thyself."
Out jumped the cudgel, and took to thumping and smashing,
and knocked over ever such a lot of people. There they lay on
the ground, strewed about like so many sheaves of corn. The
fool got clear of them and drove home, heaped up the wood,
and then lay down on the stove.
Meanwhile, the townspeople got up a petition against him,
and denounced him to the King, saying:
"Folks say there's no getting hold of him the way we tried;[354]
we must entice him by cunning, and the best way of all will be
to promise him a red shirt, and a red caftan, and red boots."
So the King's runners came for the fool.
"Go to the King," they say, "he will give you red boots, a
red caftan, and a red shirt."
Well, the fool said:
"By the Pike's command, at my request, do thou, O stove,
go to the King!"
He was seated on the stove at the time. The stove went;
the fool arrived at the King's.
The King was going to put him to death, but he had a
daughter, and she took a tremendous liking to the fool. So
she began begging her father to give her in marriage to the fool.
Her father flew into a passion. He had them married, and
then ordered them both to be placed in a tub, and the tub to be
tarred over and thrown into the water; all which was done.
Long did the tub float about on the sea. His wife began to
beseech the fool:
"Do something to get us cast on shore!"
"By the Pike's command, at my request," said the fool,
"cast this tub ashore and tear it open!"
He and his wife stepped out of the tub. Then she again
began imploring him to build some sort of a house. The fool
said:
"By the Pike's command, at my request, let a marble palace
be built, and let it stand immediately opposite the King's
palace!"
This was all done in an instant. In the morning the King
saw the new palace, and sent to enquire who it was that lived
in it. As soon as he learnt that his daughter lived there, that
very minute he summoned her and her husband. They came.
The King pardoned them, and they all began living together
and flourishing.[355]
"The Pike," observes Afanasief, "is a fish of great repute in
northern mythology." One of the old Russian songs still sung at
Christmas, tells how a Pike comes from Novgorod, its scales of silver
and gold, its back woven with pearls, a costly diamond gleaming in its
head instead of eyes. And this song is one which promises wealth, a
fact connecting the Russian fish with that Scandinavian pike which was
a shape assumed by Andvari--the dwarf-guardian of the famous treasure,
from which sprang the woes recounted in the Völsunga Saga and the
Nibelungenlied. According to a Lithuanian tradition,[356] there is a
certain lake which is ruled by the monstrous pike Strukis. It sleeps
only once a year, and then only for a single hour. It used always to
sleep on St. John's Night, but a fisherman once took advantage of its
slumber to catch a quantity of its scaly subjects. Strukis awoke in
time to upset the fisherman's boat; but fearing a repetition of the
attempt, it now changes each year the hour of its annual sleep. A
gigantic pike figures also in the Kalevala.
It would be easy to fill with similar stories, not only a section of
a chapter, but a whole volume; but instead of quoting any more of
them, I will take a few specimens from a different, though a somewhat
kindred group of tales--those which relate to the magic powers
supposed to be wielded in modern times by dealers in the Black Art.
Such narratives as these are to be found in every land, but Russia is
specially rich in them, the faith of the peasantry in the existence of
Witches and Wizards, Turnskins and Vampires, not having been as yet
seriously shaken. Some of the stories relating to the supernatural
Witch, who evidently belongs to the demon world, have already been
given. In those which I am about to quote, the wizard or witch who is
mentioned is a human being, but one who has made a compact with evil
spirits, and has thereby become endowed with strange powers. Such
monsters as these are, throughout their lives, a terror to the
district they inhabit; nor does their evil influence die with them,
for after they have been laid in the earth, they assume their direst
aspect, and as Vampires bent on blood, night after night, they go
forth from their graves to destroy. As I have elsewhere given some
account of Slavonic beliefs in witchcraft,[357] I will do little more
at present than allow the stories to speak for themselves. They will
be recognized as being akin to the tales about sorcery current farther
west, but they are of a more savage nature. The rustic warlocks and
witches of whom we are accustomed to hear have little, if any, of that
thirst for blood which so unfavorably characterizes their Slavonic
counterparts. Here is a story, by way of example, of a most gloomy
nature.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the simplest among us can achieve greatness through unexpected means, and true power often lies in unconventional wisdom.
Plot Summary
Emilian, a simple-minded fool, is left by his brothers to obey their wives. While fetching water, he catches a magical pike that grants him the power to make his spoken commands come true. He uses this power to perform chores, fend off angry townspeople, and even travel to the King's palace on his stove. The King's daughter falls in love with him, leading the King to marry them but then cast them into the sea. Emilian uses his power to bring them ashore and build a magnificent palace, ultimately leading the King to pardon them and live together prosperously.
Themes
Emotional Arc
underestimation to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common themes in Russian folklore, such as the 'Ivan the Fool' archetype, where the youngest or seemingly least capable son achieves success through luck or magic, often outsmarting those who initially scorned him. The pike's magical properties are noted in Russian and other northern mythologies.
Plot Beats (13)
- Two clever brothers and their fool brother, Emilian, live together; the brothers leave, telling Emilian to obey their wives.
- Emilian lies on the stove, ignoring his sisters-in-law's demands until they tell him to fetch water.
- While fetching water, Emilian catches a talking pike that grants him wish-granting power in exchange for its freedom.
- Emilian uses his power to make the pails return home, astonishing his sisters-in-law.
- Emilian uses his power to make a horseless sledge drive him to the forest, where axes chop wood and a cudgel for him.
- Townspeople try to stop Emilian's runaway sledge, but he uses the cudgel to beat them back.
- The King's men try to lure Emilian to the King, but he makes his stove carry him there instead.
- The King's daughter falls in love with Emilian, despite his foolishness, and insists on marrying him.
- The enraged King marries them but then casts them into the sea in a tarred tub.
- Emilian's wife urges him to use his power to get them ashore, which he does.
- Emilian's wife then asks him to build a house, and he creates a magnificent marble palace opposite the King's.
- The King discovers the new palace, learns his daughter and Emilian live there, and summons them.
- The King pardons them, and they all live together prosperously.
Characters
Emilian The Fool ★ protagonist
Implied to be physically capable of lying on a stove and lifting a heavy cudgel.
Attire: Initially unspecified, later promised red boots, a red caftan, and a red shirt. Likely wears simple peasant clothing.
Lazy, simple-minded, literal, surprisingly powerful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man in his early twenties with a playful, mischievous grin and bright, twinkling eyes. He wears a vibrant, patchwork motley of mismatched fabrics in bold colors like crimson, gold, and royal blue, with a ruffled collar and jingling bells at his pointed shoes. His hair is a curly mop of chestnut brown, slightly tousled. He stands in a dynamic, mid-step pose, one hand gesturing as if presenting a trick, the other holding a simple wooden lute. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Pike ◆ supporting
A fish, specifically a pike.
Attire: None.
Benevolent, magical, helpful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A humanoid pike creature with sleek, silver-green scaled skin and a long, pointed snout filled with needle-sharp teeth. It has large, unblinking yellow eyes and fin-like ears. Wearing a simple, sleeveless tunic of dark, coarse fabric belted at the waist. Standing in a relaxed but alert posture, one webbed hand resting on its hip, the other holding a simple wooden staff. Its expression is neutral but observant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ⚔ antagonist
Implied to be a figure of authority.
Attire: Regal attire appropriate for a monarch.
Authoritarian, short-tempered, eventually forgiving.
Image Prompt & Upload
A stern, imposing middle-aged man with a sharp jawline and cold, calculating dark eyes. He wears an elaborate deep crimson and black royal robe trimmed with gold embroidery and fur-lined collar. A heavy golden crown adorned with dark gemstones sits atop his slicked-back dark hair streaked with grey. His expression is menacing and authoritative, with a cruel thin smile and furrowed brows. He stands tall with a rigid, commanding posture, one hand gripping a jewel-encrusted scepter while the other rests on his hip. His long fingers are adorned with multiple ornate rings. Dark circles under his eyes suggest sleepless nights of scheming. A high-collared tunic with chainmail peeks beneath the robe, hinting at his militaristic nature. Tall black leather boots with silver buckles complete his intimidating appearance. His overall demeanor radiates power, ruthlessness, and cold ambition. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature
The King's Daughter ◆ supporting
Implied to be attractive enough to take a 'tremendous liking' to Emilian.
Attire: Regal dress, appropriate for a princess.
Affectionate, determined, resourceful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her late teens with a gentle, thoughtful expression, standing with a graceful and poised posture. She wears an elegant, floor-length gown of deep blue satin with intricate gold embroidery along the bodice and sleeves. Her long, auburn hair is styled in soft waves, half-pinned up with a delicate gold tiara. She holds a single, perfect white rose in her hands. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Elder Brothers ○ minor
Unknown.
Attire: Simple peasant clothing, suitable for merchants.
Sharp-witted, condescending towards their younger brother.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a kind, weathered face and short, graying brown hair. He wears simple, earth-toned clothing: a loose-fitting linen tunic, dark trousers, and worn leather boots. His posture is relaxed and slightly stooped, with a gentle, attentive expression, as if listening. He stands calmly in a neutral pose. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Sisters-in-law ○ minor
Unknown.
Attire: Simple peasant dresses.
Demanding, critical, surprised.
Image Prompt & Upload
Two young women in their late teens or early twenties, standing side-by-side. One has warm brown hair in a loose braid, wearing a simple green wool dress with a white apron. The other has darker hair pinned up, in a blue linen dress with rolled sleeves. Both have kind, gentle expressions and soft smiles, their postures relaxed and close, perhaps with arms lightly linked. They wear practical leather shoes. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Emilian's Home (with stove)
A humble dwelling where Emilian spends most of his time lying on the stove. It's where his sisters-in-law give him orders.
Mood: Lazy, domestic, initially oppressive due to the sisters-in-law's demands, later a place of magical transformation and comfort.
Emilian receives his magical powers from the pike, and uses the stove as his primary mode of transport to the King's palace.
Image Prompt & Upload
Inside a humble, single-room cottage at dusk, the warm glow of a large, tiled brick stove dominates the space. The fire within casts flickering orange light across rough-hewn wooden beams, a worn table, and simple stools. Dried herbs hang from the rafters, and shadows dance in the corners. The air feels still and thick with the scent of woodsmoke and stew. The worn wooden floorboards and whitewashed walls are touched by the deep amber light, creating a scene of quiet, rustic warmth. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The River
A body of water where Emilian goes to fetch water, and where he encounters the magical pike.
Mood: Ordinary, then suddenly magical and transformative.
Emilian catches the pike, which grants him his wish-granting powers.
Image Prompt & Upload
At dawn, a serene river flows through an ancient forest, its surface a mirror of soft peach and lavender skies. Morning mist clings to the water, swirling around the gnarled roots of weeping willows and smooth, moss-covered stones along the bank. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled, golden beams onto the clear, shallow water where silvery fish dart. Reeds and wild irises fringe the edges, their colors vivid against the dark, rich earth. A subtle, magical shimmer seems to emanate from the deepest part of the pool, hinting at unseen wonders. The air is still and cool, filled with the soft sound of flowing water and the promise of a new day. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Forest
A wooded area where Emilian goes to cut firewood, driving his sledge without a horse.
Mood: Wild, untamed, a place where magic is openly displayed with the self-chopping axes.
Emilian uses his magic to cut wood and create a powerful cudgel.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon sunlight filters through a dense canopy of birch and pine trees, casting long, dappled shadows across a mossy forest floor. In a small clearing, a simple wooden sledge sits laden with freshly cut logs, a well-used axe resting on its bed. Wood chips and a neatly stacked pile of firewood beside it suggest recent labor. The air is still and quiet, with a hint of mist gathering in the deeper glades. Warm golden light illuminates the rough bark of the trees and the vibrant green moss, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere in the heart of the woods. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Palace
The grand residence of the King, where Emilian is initially brought for punishment and later lives in a magnificent marble palace opposite it.
Mood: Initially intimidating and dangerous, later a place of reconciliation and prosperity.
Emilian is brought before the King, marries his daughter, and later establishes his own magical palace adjacent to it.
Image Prompt & Upload
At sunset, a grand palace of gleaming white marble dominates the scene, its towering spires and domes catching the last golden rays of light. Imposing arched windows and a sweeping grand staircase lead to massive bronze doors. The atmosphere is regal yet foreboding, with long shadows stretching across a vast, empty courtyard paved in polished stone. In the distance, across a formal garden of trimmed hedges and still reflecting pools, rises the darker, more ominous silhouette of an older, opposing palace. The sky is a dramatic mix of deep purples and fiery oranges, with a few storm clouds gathering on the horizon, hinting at coming rain. The air feels still and heavy. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Sea
A vast body of water where Emilian and his wife are cast adrift in a tarred tub.
Mood: Desperate, uncertain, then miraculously transformed into a place of new beginnings.
Emilian and his wife are exiled, but he uses his magic to bring them ashore and build a new life.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, churning sea under a bruised twilight sky, storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Dark, deep indigo waves with frothy whitecaps roll endlessly, reflecting the last faint streaks of copper and violet light. In the center, a small, crude tar-blackened wooden tub bobs violently in the swell, its rough texture stark against the water. The atmosphere is ominous and lonely, with a cold, salty mist hanging in the air. The lighting is dramatic and fading, casting long shadows over the tumultuous water. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
