Prince Ivan had three sisters, and before his parents die they ask him to ensure that they marry the first suitors who propose them. In the following years, three bridegrooms - a falcon, an eagle and a raven, each with the power to turn into a handsome prince - come to ask the hand of the sisters. Ivan consents, but soon grows lonely, and sets out to seek them. On his way he sees a vast army slain by Maria-Morevna, falls in love with and marries her. However, in her castle she keeps Koshchey-the-Deathless as prisoner and Ivan foolishly gives him something to drink, allowing the friend to renew his strength and kidnap Maria. In the ensuing guest for his wife Ivan visits his sisters and their three bird-husbands, leaving at each of their homes on request a silver object. Eventually reaching Koshchey's palace, Ivan twice tries to rescue Maria, but each time Koshchey's miraculous horse catch up with him. Furthermore, Koshchey warns him that a third attempt at rescue in Ivan being cut into small pieces, which is what happens, Koshchey putting the pieces in a barrel and throwing into the sea. The silver objects tarnish at that point, revealing Ivan's fate to the bird-husbands. They retrieve the barrel and restore the mutilated boy with the Waters of Life and Death. Maria discovers that Koshchey's horse comes from Baba-Yaga, and manages to obtain her captor's magic handkerchief for Ivan a handkerchief which enables its owner to bridge the River of Fire and reach the witch's hut. On his way there the Prince shows kindness to a bird, a bee and a lion. Baba-Yaga promised Ivan a similar magical horse if he will look after her steeds for three days, a task she makes impossibly difficult until the bird, the bee and the lion lend a hand. Escaping with the horse, Ivan outruns Baba-Yaga, who falls into the River of Fire, then catches up with Koshchey, who is killed by Ivan's mount before Maria is finally saved.