Episode Details

Five fables by Ivan Krylov (1769–1844), in new English verse translations made for this show, read aloud over a gentle instrumental bed.

The Aged Lion (Лев состаревшийся, Book VIII, No. 1) — The terror of the forest grows old and powerless, and the beasts he once ruled race to repay old insults; when even the donkey rears up to kick him, the Lion begs the gods for a swift end instead.

Alcides (Алкид, Book VI, No. 6) — Hercules, crossing a narrow mountain path, finds a tiny curled creature in his way; heel and club only make it swell until it blocks the sun, and Athena herself must name it for him: Strife.

The Ant (Муравей, Book VI, No. 14) — An ant of unheard-of strength, the talk of his whole anthill, rides in state to the town to display himself — and discovers what a home-grown celebrity amounts to in the wide world.

Apelles and the Donkey (Апеллес и Ослёнок, Book VI, No. 7) — A vain little donkey, invited to visit the great painter Apelles, boasts to all the forest that he is to model for a Pegasus; Apelles, overhearing, confesses he only wanted the donkey's ears — for King Midas.

The Barrel (Бочка, Book II, No. 7) — A barrel lent to a friend comes home after two days holding a tax-farmer's wine, and for near a year no steaming or airing can rinse the smell away: Krylov's warning about harmful teaching, soaked up young.

Music break: "Damp Pine Sunrise" — instrumental.

KacheliTV — Russian classics, read aloud.