Tsar Elidar and Tsarina Militissa had three sons, Aksof, Hut and Lyubim. Aksof and Hut went out to see the world and never returned. Then, Lyubim set off to search for his brothers. He found a strong horse and a sword in his father’s house. He reached a point with three roads: the sign said one road would starve him, another would starve his horse, while on the third he would have to face the Winged Wolf. He chose the third path and the Winged Wolf attacked him. They fought a fierce battle in which the Wolf was defeated. He offered to help and serve Lyubim who told him about his search for his brothers. The Wolf said, “They have been killed and we need the Water of Life to bring them to life.” The Water of Life could be obtained only after they had won the beautiful Princess.
The Waters of Life and Death
The Wolf told Lyubim that the Princess’ palace was guarded by a high wall with many bells on it. It was very difficult to go over it without the bells ringing out and raising the guards. So, he said Lyubim should leave his horse, and the Winged Wolf would transform himself into a horse to take him over the wall. Lyubim agreed and soon they flew over the wall into the Princess’ palace. “When you see her, you will love her,” said the Wolf, “but first get the Water of Life and the Water of Death in these two flagons. We’ll need both to fight her army and to revive your brothers.” After walking through various chambers, Lyubim came upon the sleeping Princess. She was indeed beautiful, and he fell in love. But, remembering the Wolf’s advice, he collected the Waters first. Returning over the wall, the bells were set off.
The Rescue
The Wolf had warned Lyubim that the knights guarding the Princess would attack them when the bells rang. “Take the white horse from the knight,” said the Wolf. As the knights attacked, Lyubim and the Wolf fought them and Lyubim defeated the knight on the white horse and took it. Riding on it, he attacked the next set of warriors sent by the Princess. When they were defeated too, the Wolf told Lyubim that the Princess would now agree to marry him. And that was exactly what happened! The next morning, Lyubim and the Princess set off for the kingdom of Tsar Elidar. On their way back home, Lyubim found his dead brothers’ bones in a forest. He sprinkled them with the Waters of Death and Life and they woke up as if from a sleep! He led them to his tent where they met his bride, the Princess. But the brothers were jealous of Lyubim’s success.
Success for Lyubim
That night Aksof and Hut planned to kill Lyubim, and present themselves before their father as having succeeded in bringing the Waters and the Princess. The Winged Wolf had gone having helped Lyubim. They cut Lyubim into pieces and threatened the Princess to keep silent. They decided that Hut took the Waters and Aksof would marry the Princess. They reached home and, with their parents, they mourned for their brother. The Winged Wolf, however, was loyal and reached Lyubim. He fetched the Waters and brought him to life once again. Then, changing himself into a horse, they flew to their own kingdom. Preparations were going on for Aksof to marry the Princess. Lyubim disguised himself as a singer and placed himself on the path the Princess’ carriage was to travel. He sang about his adventures and his brothers’ wickedness. He wanted to disclose their true identity. She recognised him and took him to his parents. Lyubim married the Princess and his brothers were exiled.