At the Pike's Command

По Щучбему Веленбю; At the pike's command; Russian folk tale. - Dubna: Phoenix, 1996. - 49x35 mm.; no pag.: ills. -ISBN 5879050327




Right:  Brown paper boards with illustration and title in Russian and English on front. Double page coloured illustration. Endpapers with gilt illustrations. Top edge gilt. Numbered copy 18/50.


Left:  White silk pictorial boards with gilt title. Double page coloured illustration. Endpapers with gilt illustrations. Top edge gilt. In plastic case. Numbered copy 42/50


Russian folk tale about a lazy and foolish boy Emelyan who lived with his two brothers and their wives in their fathers house. The two brothers worked hard but Emelyan lolled on the stove all day long, not caring to do anything or to know anything.
One day he was sent by the wives to fetch some water out of the frozen river. He chopped a hole in the ice and scooped up some water. Then he saw a pike in the hole and managed to catch it, thinking of a good meal.
Suddenly the pike began to speak, asking to set him free:  "Hark ye, fool ! let me go, and I will do for you everything you do not like to do for yourself. You will only have to wish, and it will be done." 

After many strange adventures and wonderful events he married the King's daughter Mary
They made a great feast and everyone came. Emilyan and princess Mary began to rule te kingdom.

The original version however said: "and when all these festivities were at an end, the king wanted to give up his kingdom to him, but Emelyan had no mind to take it. So the king went back to his kingdom, and Emelyan remained in his castle, and lived happily". Which was more into line with his nature.