# Ivánushka — Russian Folktales character guide

> Ivánushka in Russian Folktales by A. N. Afanasyev.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Ványa

**First appearance:** 0004-the-dun-cow

## Snapshot

The youngest son and family fool, warned to stay awake three nights for a princess, who stumbles into kings' courts and potters' bargains alike.

## Who they are

Ivánushka is the overlooked one, the simpleton whom elders dismiss and yet who keeps being handed the impossible errand. He is told to marry Olyóna Korólyevna and to resist sleep until the third cock-crow, a test of endurance rather than wit. His luck and his kindness carry him through courts where cleverer men have already failed.

## In the story

### [A Story of Saint Nicholas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/chapters/a-story-of-saint-nicholas)

The merchant's son who remains pious and obedient, eventually becoming a king.

### [The Princess to Be Kissed at a Charge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/chapters/the-princess-to-be-kissed-at-a-charge)

The youngest son, initially undersized and flat-chested, faithfully reads prayers at his father's grave and is rewarded with a magical horse, transforming into a handsome youth who wins the princess.

### [The Realms of Copper, Silver and Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/chapters/the-realms-of-copper-silver-and-gold)

The youngest son, Iváshko Zapéchnik, who succeeds in lifting the stone, descends into the three realms, wins the fairest maiden, and overcomes betrayal to return home.

### [Glossary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/chapters/glossary)

Diminutive forms Iváshechko, Iváshko, and Ványa are noted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters/ivanushka
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/russian_folktales_se/characters