Statues of Slavic pagan gods among the representations of literary characters found in the Fairy-Tale Glade.

Goblins roam and mermaids perch; in a dungeon a princess grieves and a wolf serves her.  There is the Russian spirit. …There is the scent of Russia!  I was there and saw the green oak.  I sat beneath it while the Learned Cat told me his tales.  One, I remember, which now I relate…

This is a tale of days gone by, a legend of ancient times.  Great Prince Vladimir feasts with friends.  He has just promised his youngest daughter, Ludmila, to brave Prince Ruslan.  From a heavy mug of mead, he drinks to their health.  Suddenly, a pleasant voice resounds with the fluid notes of gusli [zitherlike instrument].  Everyone falls silent, listening as Bayan praises Ludmila and Ruslan.

Three young knights sit dejected at the table.  The poison of hate melts the love of Ruslan’s rivals.  One is the brave fighter, Rogdai; another is the haughty talker, Farlaf; the last is the passionate young Khazar khan, Ratmir.

When the feast ends, the young bride is led to the marriage bed.  Jealous clothes fall on royal rugs.  Do you hear the loving whisper, the sweet sound of kisses, the faltering murmur of the final timidity?

Thunder claps; a light flashes, and smoke fills the room.  Someone rises up in the thick smoke.  The chamber is quiet.  The frightened groom arises: His bride is gone!

Prince Vladimir pours out his wrath.  “Who is willing to gallop after my daughter?  To he who succeeds, I will give her in marriage, with half my ancestral lands.”

“I!” says the mournful Ruslan.

“I!” shouts Rogdai, Farlaf, and the joyous Ratmir together.