60 acast.com In A Certain Land https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land en Nicholas Kotar story,stories,russian,fairy tales,folk tales,slavic,fantasy,fairytales,tales,tall tales Nicholas Kotar Fairy tales of Russia You know The Brothers Grimm, but do you know the weird and whimsical fairy tales of Russia? Nicholas Kotar brings you Russia’s most beloved fairy tales as you would have heard them from a grandparent sitting near the hearth on a cozy winter evening, the wind howling outside and the courage of these heroic stories lighting a flame in your heart. Enter the world of Baba Yaga, the mysterious hag who can be both friend and foe, and follow Ivan the Idiot as he faces off against a cunning dragon with six heads. These are not stuffy, academic translations, but vividly enacted retellings from Nicholas Kotar’s 3-volume fairy tale collection, accompanied by the original music of composer Natalie Wilson.


Don’t be fooled: these are not just tales for children. As Russian philosopher Ivan Ilyin reminds us, the spiritual meaning of the fairy tale is “like refined and sweet-smelling honey. If you drip it on your tongue, you’ll taste all the ineffable essence of Russia’s nature–the smell of the earth, the heat of the sun, the fragrance of flowers, and something else that is subtle and rich, something eternally youthful and yet eternally ancient… Only he who worships at the altar of facts and has lost the ability to contemplate a state of being ignores fairy tales. Only the one who wants to see with his physical eyes alone, plucking out his spiritual eyes in the process, considers the fairy tale to be dead.”

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]]> You know The Brothers Grimm, but do you know the weird and whimsical fairy tales of Russia? Nicholas Kotar brings you Russia’s most beloved fairy tales as you would have heard them from a grandparent sitting near the hearth on a cozy winter evening, the wind howling outside and the courage of these heroic stories lighting a flame in your heart. Enter the world of Baba Yaga, the mysterious hag who can be both friend and foe, and follow Ivan the Idiot as he faces off against a cunning dragon with six heads. These are not stuffy, academic translations, but vividly enacted retellings from Nicholas Kotar’s 3-volume fairy tale collection, accompanied by the original music of composer Natalie Wilson.


Don’t be fooled: these are not just tales for children. As Russian philosopher Ivan Ilyin reminds us, the spiritual meaning of the fairy tale is “like refined and sweet-smelling honey. If you drip it on your tongue, you’ll taste all the ineffable essence of Russia’s nature–the smell of the earth, the heat of the sun, the fragrance of flowers, and something else that is subtle and rich, something eternally youthful and yet eternally ancient… Only he who worships at the altar of facts and has lost the ability to contemplate a state of being ignores fairy tales. Only the one who wants to see with his physical eyes alone, plucking out his spiritual eyes in the process, considers the fairy tale to be dead.”

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]]> false Nicholas Kotar info+6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9@mg-eu.acast.com 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 in-a-certain-land episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9/1747410260827-37c6649c-9e20-4fd1-9906-113bae19981c.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land In A Certain Land The Tale of Ivan the Bull’s Son The Tale of Ivan the Bull’s Son Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT 30:47 69cd7399ab5d25f9c97516c4 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-ivan-the-bulls-son 69cd7399ab5d25f9c97516c4 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-ivan-the-bulls-son full 21 A miraculous birth gives a kingdom not one Ivan, but three! Yet among prince, cook’s son, and bull’s son, only one rises first among equals: Ivan the Bull’s son, whose strength can topple boulders, outmatch dragons, and recover kingdoms lost to monsters.


When the brothers ride into the deep forest and find Baba Yaga’s hut turning on chicken feet, their journey opens onto a darker path: the River Currant, the arrow-wood bridge, and a night watch haunted by monstrous foes from another world. But some battles are won not only by strength, but by vigilance, cunning, and the willingness to stand vigil when others sleep.


A sweeping tale of dragon-slayers, enchanted traps, brotherhood, and the perilous road home, this episode follows one of the great wonder-tales of the Russian tradition—where every victory hides another test, and the sharpest sword is often wisdom itself.

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]]> A miraculous birth gives a kingdom not one Ivan, but three! Yet among prince, cook’s son, and bull’s son, only one rises first among equals: Ivan the Bull’s son, whose strength can topple boulders, outmatch dragons, and recover kingdoms lost to monsters.


When the brothers ride into the deep forest and find Baba Yaga’s hut turning on chicken feet, their journey opens onto a darker path: the River Currant, the arrow-wood bridge, and a night watch haunted by monstrous foes from another world. But some battles are won not only by strength, but by vigilance, cunning, and the willingness to stand vigil when others sleep.


A sweeping tale of dragon-slayers, enchanted traps, brotherhood, and the perilous road home, this episode follows one of the great wonder-tales of the Russian tradition—where every victory hides another test, and the sharpest sword is often wisdom itself.

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]]> How Ilya Muromets Won Sviatogor’s Sword How Ilya Muromets Won Sviatogor’s Sword Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT 14:18 69cd73207d4a54c657eb1683 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/how-ilya-muromets-won-sviatogors-sword 69cd73207d4a54c657eb1683 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 how-ilya-muromets-won-sviatogors-sword full 20

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]]> The Childhood of Ilya Muromets The Childhood of Ilya Muromets Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:17:04 GMT 21:02 69b3659125f345603a43c9cc false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-childhood-of-ilya-muromets 69b3659125f345603a43c9cc 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-childhood-of-ilya-muromets full 19

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]]>

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]]> The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:50:13 GMT 12:44 698e8355d6c27a06bb34dad6 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-fisherman-and-the-fish 698e8355d6c27a06bb34dad6 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-fisherman-and-the-fish full 18

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]]> The Tale of the Magical Horse The Tale of the Magical Horse Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:47:46 GMT 22:50 697b9d4365c54ec919532cc4 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-magical-horse 697b9d4365c54ec919532cc4 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-magical-horse full 17 The Magical Horse is a tale of loyalty, cleverness, and the strange truth that the humblest gifts often carry the greatest power.

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]]> The Magical Horse is a tale of loyalty, cleverness, and the strange truth that the humblest gifts often carry the greatest power.

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]]> The Prince and His Evil Servant The Prince and His Evil Servant Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:04:53 GMT 20:37 697b93356594220953067442 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-prince-and-his-evil-servant 697b93356594220953067442 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-prince-and-his-evil-servant full 16 The Prince and His Evil Servant spins a tale of patience, hidden strength, and the long road by which truth finds its way back into the light.

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]]> The Prince and His Evil Servant spins a tale of patience, hidden strength, and the long road by which truth finds its way back into the light.

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]]> The Tale of Old Frost The Tale of Old Frost Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:13:08 GMT 14:24 6969665c71ed352e2ea63189 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-old-frost 6969665c71ed352e2ea63189 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-old-frost full 15

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]]> The Red Flower The Red Flower Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT 20:40 692c507bc4da9138ec0eca58 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-red-flower 692c507bc4da9138ec0eca58 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-red-flower full 14 A merchant’s quest to bring home gifts for his daughters goes terribly wrong when he plucks a forbidden red flower from a dazzling, otherworldly garden. Confronted by a monstrous Beast who demands a life in exchange, the merchant’s youngest and bravest daughter offers herself in her father’s place.


Transported to a palace of shimmering halls, singing birds, and silent magic, she discovers a world shaped by loneliness and longing. As she wanders its golden rooms and moonlit gardens, the Beast becomes her unseen companion—fearsome in voice, mysterious in heart, but kind in words.


In this tale of courage, sacrifice, and the slow blossoming of trust and even perhaps love, the young girl must decide what it truly means to keep a promise… and to see with the eyes of the heart.

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]]> A merchant’s quest to bring home gifts for his daughters goes terribly wrong when he plucks a forbidden red flower from a dazzling, otherworldly garden. Confronted by a monstrous Beast who demands a life in exchange, the merchant’s youngest and bravest daughter offers herself in her father’s place.


Transported to a palace of shimmering halls, singing birds, and silent magic, she discovers a world shaped by loneliness and longing. As she wanders its golden rooms and moonlit gardens, the Beast becomes her unseen companion—fearsome in voice, mysterious in heart, but kind in words.


In this tale of courage, sacrifice, and the slow blossoming of trust and even perhaps love, the young girl must decide what it truly means to keep a promise… and to see with the eyes of the heart.

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]]> The Three Kingdoms: Copper, Silver, and Gold The Three Kingdoms: Copper, Silver, and Gold Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT 22:07 6914bb287728b8766c53a9e4 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-three-kingdoms-copper-silver-and-gold 6914bb287728b8766c53a9e4 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-three-kingdoms-copper-silver-and-gold full 13 When Queen Anastasia is stolen by a shadowy spirit, her youngest son Ivan sets off to find her—after his two elder brothers vanish trying. Along a sea of starlight, he meets three dove-princesses who guide him down through copper, silver, and golden kingdoms to the lair of Raven, Son of Raven.


With wit and courage (and a little help from love), Ivan outsmarts the terrible creature, rescues his mother, and gathers kingdoms that follow him like enchanted balls of yarn. Betrayed by his brothers but armed with magic and good sense, he returns in disguise, survives a boiling trial of milk, and wins both his true princess and his happily ever after.


A tale of courage, cleverness, and love that soars higher than any raven’s wing.

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]]> When Queen Anastasia is stolen by a shadowy spirit, her youngest son Ivan sets off to find her—after his two elder brothers vanish trying. Along a sea of starlight, he meets three dove-princesses who guide him down through copper, silver, and golden kingdoms to the lair of Raven, Son of Raven.


With wit and courage (and a little help from love), Ivan outsmarts the terrible creature, rescues his mother, and gathers kingdoms that follow him like enchanted balls of yarn. Betrayed by his brothers but armed with magic and good sense, he returns in disguise, survives a boiling trial of milk, and wins both his true princess and his happily ever after.


A tale of courage, cleverness, and love that soars higher than any raven’s wing.

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]]> The Flying Ship The Flying Ship Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:56:32 GMT 22:47 68fa6c515149d2d6f2b87e4d false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-flying-ship 68fa6c515149d2d6f2b87e4d 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-flying-ship full 12 In a faraway kingdom, an old couple had three sons—two clever, handsome, and vain, and one simple fool with holes in his shirt and crumbs in his beard. When the Tsar announces that whoever can build a ship that sails through both clouds and seas will win the princess’s hand, the clever brothers set out with packed lunches and polished boots… and fail spectacularly.


But the fool, armed with nothing but stale bread and good manners, meets a mysterious old man who teaches him how to build the world’s first flying ship! Along the way, he gathers a band of marvelously strange companions—men who can hear across the world, outrun the wind, eat like an army, and freeze a bathhouse with a handful of straw.


Together, this ragtag crew outsmarts a scheming Tsar, wins impossible challenges, and proves that kindness, luck, and a touch of nonsense can carry even a fool into the clouds—and straight into a happy ending.

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]]> In a faraway kingdom, an old couple had three sons—two clever, handsome, and vain, and one simple fool with holes in his shirt and crumbs in his beard. When the Tsar announces that whoever can build a ship that sails through both clouds and seas will win the princess’s hand, the clever brothers set out with packed lunches and polished boots… and fail spectacularly.


But the fool, armed with nothing but stale bread and good manners, meets a mysterious old man who teaches him how to build the world’s first flying ship! Along the way, he gathers a band of marvelously strange companions—men who can hear across the world, outrun the wind, eat like an army, and freeze a bathhouse with a handful of straw.


Together, this ragtag crew outsmarts a scheming Tsar, wins impossible challenges, and proves that kindness, luck, and a touch of nonsense can carry even a fool into the clouds—and straight into a happy ending.

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]]> Finist the Bright Falcon Finist the Bright Falcon Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:00:27 GMT 27:10 68d5833bacc34956e6f39c05 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/finist-the-bright-falcon 68d5833bacc34956e6f39c05 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 finist-the-bright-falcon full 11

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]]>

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]]> The Tale of Sister Alionushka and Brother Ivanushka The Tale of Sister Alionushka and Brother Ivanushka Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:33:00 GMT 13:31 68c4837c44d0096b87b10744 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-sister-alionushka-and-brother-ivanushka 68c4837c44d0096b87b10744 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-sister-alionushka-and-brother-ivanushka full 10 What happens when you tell your little brother not to drink from a stream filled with goats? Well… he turns into a goat, of course! Poor Alionushka tries her best to keep Ivanushka safe, but thirst, magic, and mischief get the better of them both.


Before long, a king falls in love, a witch stirs up trouble, and even the flowers in the garden forget how to bloom. But never fear—this is a fairy tale, after all, and tears, talking goats, and a dash of courage just might turn sorrow into happily-ever-after.


A tale of wandering orphans, watery enchantments, and the most loyal goat you’ll ever meet.

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]]> What happens when you tell your little brother not to drink from a stream filled with goats? Well… he turns into a goat, of course! Poor Alionushka tries her best to keep Ivanushka safe, but thirst, magic, and mischief get the better of them both.


Before long, a king falls in love, a witch stirs up trouble, and even the flowers in the garden forget how to bloom. But never fear—this is a fairy tale, after all, and tears, talking goats, and a dash of courage just might turn sorrow into happily-ever-after.


A tale of wandering orphans, watery enchantments, and the most loyal goat you’ll ever meet.

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]]> The Silver Platter and the Honey-Ripe Apple The Silver Platter and the Honey-Ripe Apple Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 18:11 68a4a3a073bf5b6298931268 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-silver-platter-and-the-honey-ripe-apple 68a4a3a073bf5b6298931268 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-silver-platter-and-the-honey-ripe-apple full 9 Once upon a time, in a land of sunlit meadows, birch forests, and whispering winds, there lived a girl so forgotten that even her own family called her nothing but “idiot-girl.” She wasn’t beautiful or clever or graceful. At least, not in the ways that matter to people who see only with their eyes.


But sometimes the quiet ones hold the oldest magic.


In this episode, you’ll hear the tale of a silver platter, a honey-ripe apple, and a girl who sees the whole world unfold at the edge of wonder. There are envious sisters, a talking reed pipe, a king’s well of living water, and a queen whose mercy is more powerful than any spell. It’s a story of betrayal and resurrection, cruelty and kindness, and the strange, wonderful justice that only fairy tales can deliver.

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]]> Once upon a time, in a land of sunlit meadows, birch forests, and whispering winds, there lived a girl so forgotten that even her own family called her nothing but “idiot-girl.” She wasn’t beautiful or clever or graceful. At least, not in the ways that matter to people who see only with their eyes.


But sometimes the quiet ones hold the oldest magic.


In this episode, you’ll hear the tale of a silver platter, a honey-ripe apple, and a girl who sees the whole world unfold at the edge of wonder. There are envious sisters, a talking reed pipe, a king’s well of living water, and a queen whose mercy is more powerful than any spell. It’s a story of betrayal and resurrection, cruelty and kindness, and the strange, wonderful justice that only fairy tales can deliver.

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]]> The Tale of the Tsar Bear The Tale of the Tsar Bear Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:17:05 GMT 14:58 6894fbb1c952cf59781e5342 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-tsar-bear 6894fbb1c952cf59781e5342 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-tsar-bear full 8

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]]> The Tale of the Frog Princess The Tale of the Frog Princess Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT 20:21 6882a6882a38d6f5cb6c234d false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-frog-princess 6882a6882a38d6f5cb6c234d 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-frog-princess full 7 In a far-off kingdom, in a time long faded into song and silence, a king bids his sons to cast their arrows to the wind—and where the arrows fall, there they shall find their fates. The eldest finds a noble’s daughter, the second a merchant’s maid, but the youngest, Prince Ivan… finds a frog.


So begins a tale of riddled wonder: of hidden enchantments, midnight labors, and a bride more radiant than a summer moon. For the skin of the frog hides Vasilissa the Wise, a princess under a cruel spell, and it will take courage, kindness, and the help of beasts and birds to bring her back.


Come listen to a story where fate weaves strange fortunes, beauty is found in the most unexpected places, and a prince journeys past the ends of the world to find what was once lost.

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]]> In a far-off kingdom, in a time long faded into song and silence, a king bids his sons to cast their arrows to the wind—and where the arrows fall, there they shall find their fates. The eldest finds a noble’s daughter, the second a merchant’s maid, but the youngest, Prince Ivan… finds a frog.


So begins a tale of riddled wonder: of hidden enchantments, midnight labors, and a bride more radiant than a summer moon. For the skin of the frog hides Vasilissa the Wise, a princess under a cruel spell, and it will take courage, kindness, and the help of beasts and birds to bring her back.


Come listen to a story where fate weaves strange fortunes, beauty is found in the most unexpected places, and a prince journeys past the ends of the world to find what was once lost.

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]]> The Tale of the White Duck The Tale of the White Duck Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:16:08 GMT 13:46 6866be984dba2f2c0a86189c false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-white-duck 6866be984dba2f2c0a86189c 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-white-duck full 6 A prince and a princess are married — but their happiness is short-lived. Called away on a distant journey, the prince leaves his bride alone in her tower, with a single warning: do not leave, do not listen to wicked voices, and above all, stay safe. But grief softens resolve, and when a kindly stranger urges the lonely princess to walk in the garden, she agrees.


What begins as a quiet moment under the summer sun ends in a cruel betrayal. Transformed into a white duck and cast from her place, the princess vanishes — while a witch takes her shape and her place beside the unsuspecting prince. But deep in the reeds, by the edge of a silver lake, the duck lays three eggs... and from those eggs, three strange children are born.


In this haunting Russian fairy tale, loyalty is tested, innocence is threatened, and a mother’s love rises from beneath the waters. Listen as curses are broken, voices are restored, and justice, though long delayed, finally takes flight.

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]]> A prince and a princess are married — but their happiness is short-lived. Called away on a distant journey, the prince leaves his bride alone in her tower, with a single warning: do not leave, do not listen to wicked voices, and above all, stay safe. But grief softens resolve, and when a kindly stranger urges the lonely princess to walk in the garden, she agrees.


What begins as a quiet moment under the summer sun ends in a cruel betrayal. Transformed into a white duck and cast from her place, the princess vanishes — while a witch takes her shape and her place beside the unsuspecting prince. But deep in the reeds, by the edge of a silver lake, the duck lays three eggs... and from those eggs, three strange children are born.


In this haunting Russian fairy tale, loyalty is tested, innocence is threatened, and a mother’s love rises from beneath the waters. Listen as curses are broken, voices are restored, and justice, though long delayed, finally takes flight.

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]]> The Tale of the Juvenescent Apples and the Water of Life The Tale of the Juvenescent Apples and the Water of Life Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:26:39 GMT 37:32 68540200412e0f0fbf3ce8be false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-tale-of-the-juvenescent-apples-and-the-water-of-life 68540200412e0f0fbf3ce8be 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-tale-of-the-juvenescent-apples-and-the-water-of-life full 5 When an aging king seeks the mythical apples of youth and the water of life, his boldest sons fail and vanish into enchantment. Only Prince Ivan—humble, cunning, and brave—undertakes the perilous journey beyond the thrice-nine lands. With the aid of three ancient Baba Yagas and a trio of enchanted steeds, he defies death, outwits a warrior princess, and awakens a love that shakes kingdoms.


Betrayed by his brothers, saved by a mighty gryphon, and tested by time, Ivan returns to claim both justice and joy. But the kingdom of his birth is too small for such a hero—he rides instead into legend, side by side with his warrior bride, to rule a land worthy of their tale.

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]]> When an aging king seeks the mythical apples of youth and the water of life, his boldest sons fail and vanish into enchantment. Only Prince Ivan—humble, cunning, and brave—undertakes the perilous journey beyond the thrice-nine lands. With the aid of three ancient Baba Yagas and a trio of enchanted steeds, he defies death, outwits a warrior princess, and awakens a love that shakes kingdoms.


Betrayed by his brothers, saved by a mighty gryphon, and tested by time, Ivan returns to claim both justice and joy. But the kingdom of his birth is too small for such a hero—he rides instead into legend, side by side with his warrior bride, to rule a land worthy of their tale.

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]]> At the Pike’s Command At the Pike’s Command Thu, 15 May 2025 21:45:41 GMT 18:42 682601c050cf1b42f4bc8f10 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/at-the-pikes-command 682601c050cf1b42f4bc8f10 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 at-the-pikes-command full 4 “At the Pike’s Command” is a classic Russian fairy tale brimming with magic, mischief, and unexpected transformation. Emelya, a lazy and carefree fool, prefers the warmth of the stove to the world beyond—until he catches a talking pike who offers him the power to make his every wish come true. With a few enchanted words, chores complete themselves, sleighs drive without horses, and even royalty takes notice. But Emelya’s tale isn’t just about whimsy—it’s a journey from foolishness to heroism, from peasant to prince. Packed with charm, humor, and a touch of the absurd, this is a story where magic rewrites destiny—and even the most unlikely dreamer can rule a kingdom.


Get bonus content on Patreon

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]]> “At the Pike’s Command” is a classic Russian fairy tale brimming with magic, mischief, and unexpected transformation. Emelya, a lazy and carefree fool, prefers the warmth of the stove to the world beyond—until he catches a talking pike who offers him the power to make his every wish come true. With a few enchanted words, chores complete themselves, sleighs drive without horses, and even royalty takes notice. But Emelya’s tale isn’t just about whimsy—it’s a journey from foolishness to heroism, from peasant to prince. Packed with charm, humor, and a touch of the absurd, this is a story where magic rewrites destiny—and even the most unlikely dreamer can rule a kingdom.


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]]> Vasilissa the Beautiful Vasilissa the Beautiful Thu, 15 May 2025 08:03:00 GMT 26:53 6825687850cf1b42f48dcd27 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/vasilissa-the-beautiful 6825687850cf1b42f48dcd27 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 vasilissa-the-beautiful full 3 When her mother dies, young Vasilissa is left with only a strange gift—a tiny doll that comes to life when fed. As her cruel stepmother turns home into a prison, the doll becomes her secret protector.


But nothing can prepare Vasilissa for a terrifying journey into the dark forest, where the fearsome witch Baba Yaga lives in a house that walks on chicken legs. To survive, Vasilissa must rely on her wits, her courage, and a quiet magic passed down through love.


A haunting, unforgettable retelling of a Slavic fairytale, Vasilissa the Beautiful is a story of resilience, transformation, and the spark of light that endures even in the darkest woods.


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]]> When her mother dies, young Vasilissa is left with only a strange gift—a tiny doll that comes to life when fed. As her cruel stepmother turns home into a prison, the doll becomes her secret protector.


But nothing can prepare Vasilissa for a terrifying journey into the dark forest, where the fearsome witch Baba Yaga lives in a house that walks on chicken legs. To survive, Vasilissa must rely on her wits, her courage, and a quiet magic passed down through love.


A haunting, unforgettable retelling of a Slavic fairytale, Vasilissa the Beautiful is a story of resilience, transformation, and the spark of light that endures even in the darkest woods.


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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Vasilissa the Wise and the King of Underland Vasilissa the Wise and the King of Underland Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:15 GMT 27:24 6825178aa9d77a31f7eb9851 false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/vasilissa-the-wise-and-the-king-of-underland 6825178aa9d77a31f7eb9851 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 vasilissa-the-wise-and-the-king-of-underland full 2 When a wander-lusting king accidentally breaks the laws of hospitality when quenching his thirst, he is forced to give his only son as a hostage to a dangerous king of the underwater lands. 


But this prince is no pampered ninny. He understands the value of hospitality and kindness. And so he gets some unlooked-for help...


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]]> When a wander-lusting king accidentally breaks the laws of hospitality when quenching his thirst, he is forced to give his only son as a hostage to a dangerous king of the underwater lands. 


But this prince is no pampered ninny. He understands the value of hospitality and kindness. And so he gets some unlooked-for help...


Get bonus content on Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Chestnut Roan The Chestnut Roan Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT 16:52 6825176b571d171f04ae38bc false https://shows.acast.com/in-a-certain-land/episodes/the-chestnut-roan 6825176b571d171f04ae38bc 6814ea786ac0e5213b41d2b9 the-chestnut-roan full 1 Welcome to this new storytelling podcast, where Natalie Wilson and I collaborate to create a story-music experience of the Russian fairy tale that you won't hear anywhere else.


This is the first episode in a new version of what used to be called In a Certain Kingdom, a podcast that was part of the Ancient Faith network. It is now hosted by The CiRCE Institute, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!


Of course, if you'd like to become a patron of the podcast, Natalie and I will be very, very grateful :)


Our first story is the first time I'm delving into the "Ivan the Fool" cycle. It's a fun, silly, but ultimately profound tale about how true wisdom and beauty is rarely skin deep.


Please do share this podcast with your friends! We rely on your good word to get the story out into the world :)


Get bonus content on Patreon.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to this new storytelling podcast, where Natalie Wilson and I collaborate to create a story-music experience of the Russian fairy tale that you won't hear anywhere else.


This is the first episode in a new version of what used to be called In a Certain Kingdom, a podcast that was part of the Ancient Faith network. It is now hosted by The CiRCE Institute, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!


Of course, if you'd like to become a patron of the podcast, Natalie and I will be very, very grateful :)


Our first story is the first time I'm delving into the "Ivan the Fool" cycle. It's a fun, silly, but ultimately profound tale about how true wisdom and beauty is rarely skin deep.


Please do share this podcast with your friends! We rely on your good word to get the story out into the world :)


Get bonus content on Patreon.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>