[2] The film opens in medieval Russia, where the aging bogatyr Svyatogor entrusts his magical sword to pilgrims before transforming into a mountain as he dies.

When pilgrims arrive at Ilya’s home, they cure his paralysis with a magical potion and song and present him with Svyatogor’s sword.

When the Tugar ambassador, the massive Idolishche Poganoye, demands an exorbitant tribute, Ilya refuses and kills him, escalating tensions.

During the battle, Tsar Kalin releases the fire-breathing dragon Zmey Gorynych, which is ultimately defeated by the Rus' forces.

With the Tugars routed, Ilya declines royal honors to reunite with his family and embarks on new adventures, passing his sword and legacy to Sokolnichek, who continues the heroic lineage.

This version also included narration by Mike Wallace[4] and Shukur Burkhanov (Khalin) was dubbed by voice actor Paul Frees.