Leo Tolstoy

Ivanushka the Fool Leo Tolstoy

-Ivanushka the Fool: Russian fairy tale-


Ivanushka the Fool (also known as "Ivan the Fool and his Two Brothers")is fairy tale by the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, published in 1886.


Ivan appears in Russian folklore as very simple-minded, but, nevertheless, lucky young man. Ivan is described as a likeable fair-haired and blue-eyed youth. Russian fairy tale describes the struggles of three brothers and a sister with the Old Devil. The name "Ivan the Fool" hints to a popular hero of Russian folklore. Russian fairy tale offers children instruction in how to live rightly, simply, and generously. Fairy tale emphasizes the destructive aspects of materialism and militarism while idealizing manual labor and the peasant life.