Discover “The Tale of Pugachev,” a remarkable Russian folk legend that reimagines history through the lens of peasant memory and alternative reality. In this captivating bylina, Emelyan Pugachev—the historical rebel who claimed to be Tsar Peter III—is not an impostor at all, but the true emperor himself, hiding behind a false name. The tale recounts his marriage in a Cossack settlement, his betrayal by a mysterious “Italian lady” or princess who seizes his throne, and his dramatic capture and delivery to Catherine the Great. In a stunning twist, Catherine steps down from the throne and surrenders it to Pugachev, rewarding the humble Cossack who shared his vodka and beheading the officer who denied him even water. This powerful narrative reflects the deep folk belief in justice and the rightful return of the true Tsar, transforming a story of defeat into one of ultimate vindication. Perfect for fans of Russian folklore, alternative history, and stories of peasant justice, this beautifully translated legend offers a unique window into the popular imagination of the Pugachev uprising.
Now, Pugachev—he was, he truly was, but under the name of Peter III, Pyotr Fyodorovich. Only he was called Pugachev. In the end, he married here, from our settlement, and here he formed his Cossacks.
He took up with someone—not quite an Italian lady, not quite a princess. She seized his throne, cast him down, and gave the order to catch him and bring him in alive. He was caught.
A troop of colonels—not colonels, but shape-shifting Cossacks—set up a drinking party. And Pugachev brought his wife along. Well then, Pugachev turned to a Cossack and asked for a cup of vodka. But the one in charge said:
“Water is plenty for him.”
And the Cossack asked:
“I will give him my share.”
When Pugachev was delivered to Catherine, they said: “He is brought.” She came out, looked at him, and said:
“Well, have you had your fill of running?”
“Yes,” he says.
She stepped down from the throne and gave it to him. The Cossack who had given him the vodka she made a colonel, and the colonel she ordered beheaded.
And by Peter a child had already been born. His wife he sent to a monastery, and himself remained on the throne.
This all truly happened.