Instead, he used the sword to sever his brother’s head, which magically remained alive.

The head tells Ruslan that he bears no grudge and will be grateful if Ruslan uses the sword to defeat Chernomor.

She lashes out and he tumbles to the ground, tripping over his long beard.

It is the wizard Chernomor, who leaves his hat as he flees. Chernomor is visited by a flying dragon who turns out to be Naina, pledging her alliance in defeating the Finn.

Ruslan is challenged by another rider and the story turns briefly to Ludmila’s fate.

Where it once stood, Ruslan finds a shining sword suitable for a bogatyr.

As Ruslan prepares to attack with the sword, the head pleads for mercy.

The head tells his story: He was once a mighty warrior, the brother of Chernomor, who envied him.

Chernomor’s magic power lay in his beard, and he told his brother that they must secure the sword, which had the power to kill the both of them – Chernomor, by cutting his beard, the brother, by severing his head.