Ivan Tsarevich

Ivan Tsarevich riding the Gray Wolf by Viktor Vasnetsov, 1889.

Ivan Tsarevich (Russian: Ива́н Царе́вич or Иван-царевич, literally John the Prince) is one of the main heroes of Russian folklore, usually a protagonist, often engaged in a struggle with Koschei. Along with Ivan the Fool, Ivan Tsarevich is a placeholder name rather than a certain character.

He is often, but not always, the youngest son of three. In the tale "The Three Kingdoms", he is a son of Nastasya the Golden Braid. Different legends describe Ivan as having various wives, including Yelena the Beautiful, Vasilisa the Wise and Marya Morevna.

Ivan is sometimes depicted with magic abilities and has the Sword Kladenets.

Tales about Ivan Tsarevich include "Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf", "Tsarevna the Frog", "The Sea King and Vasilisa the Wise", "The Tale about Rejuvenating Apples and the Life Water", and "The Death of Koschei the Immortal (also known as "Marya Morevna")."

See also