Vazuza and Volga
by W. R. S. Ralston · from Russian Folk Tales
Original Story
Vazuza And Volga
VAZUZA AND VOLGA.[268]
Volga and Vazuza had a long dispute as to which was the wiser,
the stronger, and the more worthy of high respect. They wrangled
and wrangled, but neither could gain the mastery in the dispute,
so they decided upon the following course:--
"Let us lie down together to sleep," they said, "and whichever
of us is the first to rise, and the quickest to reach the Caspian
Sea, she shall be held to be the wiser of us two, and the
stronger and the worthier of respect."
So Volga lay down to sleep; down lay Vazuza also. But
during the night Vazuza rose silently, fled away from Volga,
chose the nearest and the straightest line, and flowed away.
When Volga awoke, she set off neither slowly nor hurriedly, but
with just befitting speed. At Zubtsof she came up with Vazuza. So
threatening was her mien, that Vazuza was frightened, declared
herself to be Volga's younger sister, and besought Volga to take
her in her arms and bear her to the Caspian Sea. And so to
this day Vazuza is the first to awake in the Spring, and then she
arouses Volga from her wintry sleep.
In the Government of Tula a similar tradition is current about the Don
and the Shat, both of which flow out of Lake Ivan.
Lake Ivan had two sons, Shat and Don. Shat, contrary to his father's
wishes, wanted to roam abroad, so he set out on his travels, but go
whither he would, he could get received nowhere. So, after fruitless
wanderings, he returned home.
But Don, in return for his constant quietness (the river is known as
"the quiet Don"), obtained his father's blessing, and he boldly set
out on a long journey. On the way, he met a raven, and asked it where
it was flying.
"To the blue sea," answered the raven.
"Let's go together!"
Well, they reached the sea. Don thought to himself, "If I dive right
through the sea, I shall carry it away with me."
"Raven!" he said, "do me a service. I am going to plunge into the sea,
but do you fly over to the other side and as soon as you reach the
opposite shore, give a croak."
Don plunged into the sea. The raven flew and croaked--but too soon.
Don remained just as he appears at the present day.[269]
In White-Russia there is a legend about two rivers, the beginning of
which has evidently been taken from the story of Jacob and Esau:--
Story DNA
Moral
While cunning might offer a temporary advantage, true strength and wisdom often prevail through steady and rightful means.
Plot Summary
Two rivers, Volga and Vazuza, argue over who is superior and agree to race to the Caspian Sea after sleeping. Vazuza secretly wakes early and takes a direct path, but Volga, waking later, proceeds steadily and eventually overtakes her. Frightened by Volga's imposing presence, Vazuza submits, declares herself the younger sister, and asks Volga to carry her. To this day, Vazuza awakens first in spring to rouse Volga, symbolizing their enduring relationship.
Themes
Emotional Arc
rivalry to submission
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story explains the geographical relationship between the Vazuza and Volga rivers, where the Vazuza is a tributary of the Volga, joining it at Zubtsov. The mention of the Don and Shat in Tula indicates a common folk tradition of personifying rivers and explaining their courses.
Plot Beats (10)
- Volga and Vazuza, two rivers, argue about who is superior in wisdom, strength, and respect.
- Unable to resolve their dispute, they agree to a race to the Caspian Sea: whoever wakes first and arrives quickest wins.
- They both lie down to sleep.
- During the night, Vazuza secretly wakes up, takes the most direct route, and flows away.
- Volga wakes up later and proceeds at a measured, steady pace.
- Volga catches up to Vazuza at Zubtsof.
- Volga's imposing presence frightens Vazuza.
- Vazuza admits defeat, declares herself Volga's younger sister, and asks Volga to carry her to the Caspian Sea.
- Volga accepts, and they continue together.
- The story concludes by explaining that Vazuza still wakes first in spring to awaken Volga.
Characters
Volga ★ protagonist
Implied to be a powerful and imposing river, capable of a threatening mien.
Attire: Flowing, river-like form, likely depicted in shades of blue or grey, perhaps with foamy white accents.
Proud, determined, patient, powerful, forgiving (eventually).
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult protagonist in their early twenties with determined hazel eyes and windswept chestnut hair. They wear practical, travel-stained leather armor over a deep green tunic, sturdy brown trousers, and scuffed boots. A simple wooden pendant hangs around their neck. They stand in a confident, ready stance in a sun-dappled forest clearing, one hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed sword at their hip, expression resolute and focused on the horizon. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Vazuza ⚔ antagonist
Implied to be a smaller, swifter river than Volga.
Attire: Flowing, river-like form, likely depicted in shades of blue or grey, perhaps with foamy white accents.
Cunning, impatient, deceitful, fearful, subservient (after being caught).
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, gaunt figure with a cruel, angular face and pale, almost translucent skin. His eyes are narrow and gleam with cold intelligence, framed by deep-set sockets. A thin, sharp nose and a severe, bloodless mouth set in a slight, calculating smile. Long, lank black hair falls past his shoulders. He wears a high-collared, floor-length coat of deep black velvet, trimmed with dark silver embroidery that resembles thorny vines. Underneath, a tailored black tunic and trousers. His posture is rigid and imperious, standing with one long-fingered hand resting on the pommel of a slender, dark metal cane. The air around him seems to chill. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Shat ○ minor
A river, implied to be restless and unable to settle.
Attire: Flowing, river-like form, likely depicted in shades of blue or grey.
Rebellious, restless, adventurous, ultimately unsuccessful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy around ten years old with a mischievous grin, wearing a simple tunic of rough-spun brown cloth, patched at the elbows, and dark trousers tucked into worn leather boots. His sandy hair is tousled as if by a breeze. He stands in a playful, slightly crouched posture, one hand reaching out as if to catch a butterfly, in a sun-dappled forest clearing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Don ★ protagonist
A river, known as 'the quiet Don'.
Attire: Flowing, river-like form, likely depicted in shades of blue or grey.
Quiet, blessed, bold, ambitious, but ultimately limited by circumstance.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man in his early twenties with short, tousled brown hair and a determined expression. He wears a simple tunic of undyed linen, belted at the waist with a leather strap, and sturdy brown trousers tucked into worn leather boots. He stands confidently, one hand resting on his hip, gazing directly forward with a calm, resolute look. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Lake Ivan ◆ supporting
A lake, father to Shat and Don.
Attire: A still, deep body of water, likely depicted in deep blues and greens.
Traditional, wise, capable of giving blessings.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man with a long, flowing beard the color of seafoam and deep blue eyes that hold a gentle, knowing wisdom. His hair is similarly pale and wavy, blending with his beard. He wears simple, layered robes in shades of deep teal and slate grey, with subtle patterns resembling rippling water. He stands tall but relaxed, leaning slightly on a gnarled driftwood staff. His posture is calm and welcoming, with a faint, serene smile on his weathered face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Raven ◆ supporting
A black bird, capable of flight and speech.
Attire: Natural black plumage.
Helpful, but prone to error or impatience.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, slender figure draped in a deep black cloak that shimmers like oil on water, with a high collar framing a sharp, pale face. Their eyes are intelligent and watchful, the color of polished obsidian. Dark hair is slicked back severely from a prominent brow. They stand with a posture of quiet observation, one long-fingered hand resting on a gnarled wooden staff carved with subtle feather patterns. A single large, glossy black feather is tucked behind one ear. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Sleeping Place
An unspecified outdoor location where Volga and Vazuza lay down to sleep, likely near their origins.
Mood: Quiet, expectant, still.
Volga and Vazuza begin their race to the Caspian Sea.
Image Prompt & Upload
At twilight, a serene riverbank where two gentle streams merge, their waters dark and still. Soft purple and blue hues color the misty air, clinging to the silhouettes of ancient, moss-covered stones and weeping willows. A natural hollow in the earth, lined with soft, glowing moonflowers and feathery ferns, suggests a quiet resting place. The last light of day casts a long, peaceful glow over the tranquil scene, with fireflies beginning to blink in the deepening gloom. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Zubtsof
A specific location where Volga catches up to Vazuza, implying a confluence or meeting point of the rivers.
Mood: Tense, confrontational, intimidating.
Volga confronts Vazuza, leading to Vazuza's submission and their merging.
Image Prompt & Upload
At the gentle confluence where the wide, silver-blue Volga River meets the slower, mossy-green Vazuza at dawn. A soft mist rises from the merging currents, catching the first pale golden rays of sunlight. The riverbanks are lined with soft green reeds and clusters of white birch trees, their bark glowing in the morning light. The water is calm, reflecting the pastel pink and lavender sky. In the distance, a low, rolling landscape of soft green hills fades into the misty horizon. The atmosphere is serene, quiet, and deeply magical, a place where two waters become one in a tranquil, timeless embrace. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Caspian Sea
The ultimate destination for Volga and Vazuza, a large body of water.
Mood: Goal-oriented, distant, significant.
The intended end point of the rivers' journey and the resolution of their dispute.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast expanse of calm water stretches to the horizon under a soft, early morning sky. The eastern sky blushes with peach and lavender, casting a gentle, golden path across the glassy surface. To the west, the last hints of night fade into a deep indigo. The shoreline is a gentle curve of pale sand and smooth, water-worn stones. Where two wide, meandering rivers meet the sea, their waters mingle in swirling patterns of silt and clear blue. Clumps of tall, dry reeds rustle softly along the banks, their tips catching the first light. A thin layer of mist hovers just above the water near the shore, slowly dissipating as the sun rises. The air feels still, vast, and profoundly peaceful. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Lake Ivan
The origin point of the rivers Shat and Don, a lake in the Government of Tula.
Mood: Home, origin, a place of departure.
The starting point for the journeys of Shat and Don.
Image Prompt & Upload
Early dawn at the source of two rivers, a serene and misty lake nestled in the Tula region. Calm, glassy water reflects the soft pastel colors of the sunrise—pale pink, lavender, and gold. From the lake's far shore, two distinct, gentle streams begin their journey, winding through a lush landscape. The banks are lined with tall, slender birch trees and dense reeds. A light, ethereal mist hangs over the water's surface, catching the first rays of light. The atmosphere is profoundly peaceful and untouched. Soft focus, luminous, tranquil, in the style of a romantic landscape painting. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Blue Sea (Don's Destination)
A large, blue body of water that Don reaches after his journey, where he attempts to dive through.
Mood: Vast, mysterious, a place of ambition and challenge.
Don attempts to carry away the sea, leading to his current form.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, magical sea at sunset, its deep sapphire waters shimmering with internal bioluminescent highlights and golden light. The horizon glows with bands of amber, coral, and lavender. Ethereal mist rises from the warm surface, catching the light. In the distance, faint silhouettes of floating, moss-covered islands with gentle waterfalls are visible. The shoreline is smooth, pearl-white sand, meeting gentle, crystal-clear waves. The atmosphere is serene, ancient, and full of quiet wonder. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration