Russian Fairy Tales
Zhar-Ptitsa
The
zhar-ptitsa is commonly known as the firebird in English. It is a
magical bird which is depicted as glowing red, yellow and orange (thus
the fiery name). It is a large beautiful bird with wondrous plumage
which comes from a faraway land and is both the bringer of blessings
and doom as most Russian fairy tale creatures are. The firebird is
rarely a major character in any fairy tales, rather they are the object
of quests as the bird itself is highly coveted but very difficult to
obtain. Those who seek the fire bird may find a feather from it which
charms them into seeking the creature out, but which they usually blame
for the many obstacles they may face on the way.
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