Discover the charming Russian bylinas of “Peter and the Carpenter,” a short tale of humility, craftsmanship, and the hidden dignity of honest labor. When Tsar Peter the Great comes to Voronezh to build ships, he works alongside the finest carpenters as an ordinary laborer, saying nothing of his true identity. The best craftsman among them, unaware that he is instructing the Tsar himself, scolds Peter sharply for his mistakes and shows him the proper techniques—which Peter swiftly masters. When the workday ends, Peter thanks the master for the lesson, bearing no grudge for the harsh words, and gives him a ring from his own hand as a token of gratitude. This brief but powerful tale celebrates the virtue of humility, the value of learning from every teacher, and the greatness of a ruler who labors beside his people. Perfect for fans of Russian folklore, historical legends, and stories of quiet nobility, this beautifully translated story will delight readers of all ages.
The Tsar came to Voronezh to build ships, and for that a monument to him was erected in Voronezh. They say that he sometimes worked like an ordinary laborer: he chopped and sawed with his own hands.
The best carpenters in Voronezh were summoned, and all were set to work. And among them was a master—the finest of the finest craftsmen. So they began to work, and Peter worked alongside them. But the master had no idea that the Tsar himself was working with him; he thought: some novice from out of town. He looked at how Peter carpenter, and cursed him roundly: this was not right, that was not the way. He began to show him, and Peter quickly picked up everything. And when they knocked off work, Peter said to the master:
“Though you scolded me soundly, I bear you no grudge. Thank you for the lesson.”
He took a ring from his finger and gave it to the master.
“Wear it,” he said, “and remember that you taught a lesson to the Tsar.”