Privet! So last night I went through a few books and made a list of myths I could share. Makes it a lot easier, since now I can just pick a random one I feel like doing, instead of spending time searching my brain, books, and the Internets for a suitable yarn. This one was near the top, and since it's Russian--and I absolutely adore Russian folktales--it called to me.
Our story starts with a merchant, who had three daughters. I've no idea what happened to the mother, but that's not important to the plot. Presently the merchant prepared himself for a long journey, and as he didn't expect to be back for some time, he resolved to make the wait for his return a bit better by getting each of his daughters a gift. He asked the three girls in turn what they wanted.
The eldest replied eagerly, "I would like a golden crown."
The second-born thought a little before answering, "A crystal mirror would be lovely."
When the merchant reached the third daughter, she said quietly, without hesitation, "I wish for no treasure; only for a little scarlet flower and your safe return."
Requests taken, the merchant set off. It took him no time at all to find the golden crown and crystal mirror, as the cities to which he traveled were not wanting of wealth and finery. The youngest girl's gift, the scarlet flower, however, was not quite as easy to locate. He searched everywhere, to no avail. When the day came for him to return home, resigned, he was thinking of just how he was going to explain his failure to his child when he came upon a forest. Something about the place drew him in, and he ventured through the trees to find a palace deep in the heart of the woods. Seeing no one around, he decided to explore. He reached the courtyard, and was shocked to find, after endless searching, the scarlet flower he so desperately coveted. Looking around, once again, to make sure the place was empty, he reached for the bloom. When he plucked it, however, there appeared before him a hideous creature.
The beast, enraged at the merchant's audacity, demanded that he send one of his daughters to it in return for the flower. Saddened, the merchant returned home and presented his girl with the flower, telling her of the price. Somberly, but without hesitation, she agreed to go to the palace. There she lived in great comfort, as the beast--without having revealed himself to her--showered luxuries upon her. After a while, though, the girl grew curious. Who was it who was taking such good care of her? Why wouldn't he show himself? These thoughts she voiced to the empty courtyard, on the off chance her keeper might be listening. Obliging, the beast stepped from the shadows. He wasn't what she had expected; the girl fled the courtyard in shock and terror.
She had a dream that night, that her father had fallen very ill. The next morning the girl went to the beast and begged his leave so she could see her family. Reluctantly, he agreed, but told her that she must return to him in three days' time.
When she arrived at her old home, and her sisters spotted the fine clothes and jewelry that adorned her, they grew jealous and set the clocks back, so that the youngest girl was late in returning to the palace. Upon entering the courtyard, she found, to her overwhelming sorrow, the beast, dead, the scarlet flower in his hand. Tearfully she ran to her friend and embraced him and admitted that she loved him. By declaring her love, the girl had unwittingly broken a spell. The beast opened his eyes, and in a flash of light, transformed into a handsome prince.
Needless to say, they lived happily ever after.
Source:
http://stpetersburg-guide.com/folk/alenky.shtml
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