Fairy tales from ancient times are an integral element of the culture and creativity of any people. Each country has its own plots for them, its kind and evil characters. For us, one of our favorite heroines is Vasilisa the Wise from the fairy tale “The Frog Princess”. For many generations of children, she has become a symbol of kindness and intelligence, caring and modesty. The description of Vasilisa the Wise is accompanied by many bright epithets and is a glorification of the beauty and grandeur of the primordially Russian female character.
Fairy tale "The Frog Princess" and her main character
The plot of the tale "The Frog Princess" is known to everyone from an early age. Vasilisa the Wise is a sorceress bewitched by her father, Koshchei the Immortal, for surpassing him in the art of witchcraft. In a fairy tale, she becomes the bride, and then the wife of Ivan Tsarevich. As the plot develops, the girl shows her skills, following the orders of the king: bakes bread, skillfully weaves a silk carpet (or, in other versions, a shirt). The description of Vasilisa the Wise at the feast is also impressive, where she turns into a fabulous beauty and amazes guests with her magical art.
Ivan, wanting his wife to always remain in the guise of a princess, burns frog skin. After that, Vasilisa disappears. To regain his love, the prince has to go through many dangers and, most importantly, fight with his wife’s father, Koshchei the Immortal. The end of the tale is happy - Ivan and Vasilisa overcome all difficulties and end up together forever.
Why is Vasilisa the Wise attractive? A Russian folk tale is not only a figment of fantasy, but also a reflection of the real life of people. With this in mind, one can trace in the image of Vasilisa the most valuable female qualities for the Russian people.
Appearance of the main character Vasilisa the Wise
Interestingly, almost nothing is said about the appearance of the main character in the tale. The description of Vasilisa the Wise is given to the reader using the characteristics of her actions and words. Only at the royal ball is the heroine portrayed as a written beauty. But this description is quite typical for most fairy tales.
This once again confirms that the image of Vasilisa the Wise is collective, generalizing. Moreover, for a fairy tale, the image of not the external, but internal virtues of the heroine is much more important.
Vasilisa the Wise character traits
Not because of beauty, but because of character Vasilisa the Wise is loved. The tale emphasizes that it is not the bright appearance (it would seem that it can be uglier than a frog) and wealth (the "rivals" of the girls in the palace were the boyar and merchant daughters) which leads the heroes to happiness. And understanding and the desire to be together.
The characteristic of Vasilisa the Wise from a fairy tale is given through her actions. The way she comforts Ivan the Tsarevich, with what skill she performs the tasks of the tsar, how she behaves during a feast, speaks of her better than any descriptions. Her character combines both a deep mind and the majestic simplicity of the Russian soul, self-pride and modesty.
Many ask why Vasilisa is called the Wisdom? In fact, this epithet suits her perfectly. The fact is that she perfectly mastered the magical wisdom and even surpassed her father, a powerful sorcerer in this. It is also characteristic that in a fairy tale they call her that in those minutes when she works, she shows her skill as a needlewoman, mistress or sorceress. In addition, the heroine has the ability to remain calm and make the right decision even in the most difficult trials.
Why was Vasilisa turned into a frog?
Often the question arises of why Vasily the Wise was turned into a frog by Koshchei the Immortal. A fairy tale does not give a direct answer to it. However, different researchers offer their own options.
For example, we can recall that one of the leading artistic techniques in the tale is the antithesis, the opposition (for example, good and evil, day and night, living and dead water, beauty and ugliness). Already the name of the heroine - Vasilisa - speaks for itself. From the Greek language it can be translated as regal, exalted. On the other hand, what could be more unattractive and down-to-earth than a frog living in a swamp.
The image of Vasilisa in other Russian fairy tales
The description of Vasilisa the Wise can be found not only in the fairy tale about the frog princess. She is depicted in other works of the Russian people. For example, you can recall the tale of Vasilis and Baba Yaga. A similar image appears under the names of Marya Morevna, Elena the Beautiful and Mary the Princess. All these heroines possess wisdom and magical knowledge, in particular the ability to transform. This allows you to identify them.
A fairy tale is a lie, but a hint in it
Maxim Gorky called Vasilisa one of the most perfect female images created by the imagination of the Russian people. How many wonderful qualities she combines in herself, bringing up and parting all the new rising generations. But remember that initially fairy tales were written not for children, but for adults. Not an exception, and those in which there is Vasilisa the Wise. A Russian folk tale with its inherent wisdom and poetry reminds us of the true role of a woman in the family - to be an assistant and support to her husband.
We will also find out what qualities have long been valued in Russia. The mind and modesty, caring and kindness, the skill of the needlewoman and the keeper of the hearth, uniting, give rise to true wisdom and beauty. And the image of Vasilisa the Wise fully combines all these wonderful qualities.