Sadko and the Sea Kingdom

Sadko and the Sea Kingdom

My name is Sadko. I earn my living by playing music. The sweet sound of my gusli makes everyone dance. Everyone, that is, except me. No girl would ever dance or fall in love with a lowly musician.

Some days, I sit alone by the sea, strumming my gusli. One day, I was strumming away when all of a sudden, thunder clapped and the water churned. The swelling waves nearly flooded my village.

Although I was afraid, I watched as two dancing forms rose from the sea.

" I am Volkva, the Sea King's daughter. The only thing that stops my tears is the sound of your gusli, " she said. “ Would you play for me at our palace beneath the sea?"

" My daughter is the love of my life, " added the Sea King. " I can't stand to see her sad. You must play for us until I say stop. If you play, the sea will churn, we will dance, and nothing more will happen. If you disobey, however, the sea will churn and flood your village. "