Once upon a time a powerful Tsar had three sons, named Dimitri, Vasily, and Ivan (pronounced "Ee-vonne"). They all lived together in a magnificent palace surrounded by a beautiful garden in which grew golden apples. One day the Tsar realized that some of the golden apples were disappearing while he slept, and learned that they were being taken by a beautiful Firebird. He promised half his kingdom to the son who could catch the Firebird. Dimitri tried first but could not catch it. Vasily tried next and also failed.

Then, it was Ivan’s turn. He waited for a long time under the apple tree. Suddenly, the garden was lit up as bright as day and the Firebird appeared. Ivan tried to catch the bird but was only able to get one of her brilliant feathers. The Firebird did not to return to the garden after that and the Tsar sent all three sons to find her. During Ivan’s search for the Firebird, he formed an alliance with a gray wolf who carried Ivan on his back and rescued him from danger and even death. Along the way he also met and fell in love with the beautiful Princess Elena. After many adventures with the gray wolf and betrayal by his brothers, Ivan returned triumphantly to his father’s house with the Firebird and married the Fair Elena.

The name "Firebird" is sufficient to show its close connection with flame or light, and its appearance corresponds with its designation. Its feathers blaze with a silvery or golden sheen, its eyes shine like crystal, and it lives in a golden cage. In the depth of night it flies into a garden, and lights it up as brightly as could a thousand burning fires. A single feather illuminates a dark room, and it feeds upon golden apples which have the power of bestowing youth and beauty. Its song heals the sick and restores sight to the blind. As the Slavonic counterpart to the Phoenix, the Firebird sinks into a death-like slumber when the day dawns, to awake to fresh life after the Sunset. This legendary figure has served as an inspiration to composer Igor Stravinsky, who wrote the score for his famed 1999 ballet suite based upon this tale, as well as lacquer box, brooch, and jewelry artists.