"Every Hero Has A Story." My Blogging From A to Z theme bridges the summer library reading programs throughout the U.S. with storytelling opportunities, ideas, and activities.
Vasilisa the Beautiful at the Hut of Baba Yaga, by Ivan Bilibin
Vasilisa the Brave is a Russian folktale filled with Cinderella-like circumstances but ever so much more adventuresome. Vasilisa proves herself brave , courageous, and kind in the midst of jealous and mean step mother and step sisters, along with walking in the dark woods, by herself to the witche's house on chicken feet to retrieve light. Are you kidding - no way would I even consider taking on those tasks. Well, unless I had the coolest doll EVER! A doll Vasilisa's mother gave her right before dying. Her mother instructed her "Remember and heed my last words. I am dying, and together with my maternal blessing i leave you this dool. Always keep it with you and do not show it to anyone. If you get into trouble, give the doll food, and ask its advice. When it has ate it will tell you what to do in your trouble." I had a Chatty Cathy doll in second grade. I took her with me everywhere but she would only say a few sentences when I pulled her string - don't think I received the advice needed as Vasilisa did. Kids will love this tale of heroism in danger - and how fortunate to have a doll who talks to you and helps to solve all the problems that Vasilisa confronts.
There are several versions of the Russian folktale of Vasilisa. One is found in Favorite Folktales from around the World, edited by Jane Yolen. A few more are text found on the internet:
Myths and Legends
The Annotated Baba Yaga
Vasilisa the Brave
Myths and Legends
The Annotated Baba Yaga
Vasilisa the Brave
Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave by Marianna Mayer Marianna Mayer's version of Vasilisa is amazing! The illustrations by K.Y. Craft will make you feel you're walking into those dark woods with Vasilisa - pretty scary!
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