Russian Lore Burns Brightly

Firebird by Mercedes Lackey

In Old Rus, people used to speak of the lands being filled with spirits bright, terrible, mischievous and kind. Oral folklore-passed along as part of what is now known as the byliny-also regaled its listeners with stories of plain men and women who overcame adversity. They tell of Olga's heroism and cleverness in punishing those who killed her husband and of Ivan the Terrible's stupid cruelty.

Unfortunately, this oral tradition is mostly lost to us. Rather than sit as a live storyteller brings rich folklore to life, we lounge in front of the television or curl up with a book, taking our literature in solitary doses. Yet the stories so rich in imagery and magic need not be lost as long as there are talented writers such as Mercedes Lackey to translate them to modern mediums.

Lackey's Firebird is a beautiful narrative that combines many elements from many traditional Russian folklore. It is a book that is completely Russian, without ever mentioning the name of the land. It is the Russia of the folklore, where bannik inhabit bathhouses and the rusalka stalk the rivers. It is the Russia where the unloved middle son of a cruel and stupid tzar can use his cleverness and kindness to achieve great deeds and reap rich rewards.

Lackey shows immense talent in taking stock characters, traditional plots, and ancient spiritlore and making it into something creative and interesting. She accurately depicts the romanticized Russia of medieval times. She even accurately depicts the tension between pagan and Christian forces. The Christian and pagan priest disagree with one another, but live and work together toward the same goals. They both promote kindness and goodwill in an environment that is chilly to both sentiments. They work together because although they are theologically of opposite poles, they both believe in higher virtues than cruel stupidity.

Ilya, the hero, is the victim of beatings and practical jokes from his brothers. Firebird is the story of how he escapes his murderous brother and father and pursues a dream across many dangers. He must face many foes and seemingly insurmountable odds and defeat them with his cleverness, strength, and kindness. I will not give any more plot details for part of the wonder of the novel is to discover things as Ilya does and to wonder with him whether he will ever be able to change his life or escape his circumstances.

There are times where the book seems a little trite, as it does draw on many stereotypes, but ultimately, it is the use of well-worn yarns that make the entire tapestry so lovely. It is also a story that is enhanced by a passing familiarity with Russian culture and history. Possibly the book would not be as enjoyable if you have no previous knowledge of Russian folklore or stories. I hesitate to say that though, for Lackey truly does tell a good story and makes an effort to explain each bit of folklore she weaves in without belaboring it.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read that I enjoyed re-reading for this review. It's a feel-good novel that is as charming as it is entertaining.

--B. Redman