Ivan the Fool (Russian: Иван-дурак, romanized: Ivan-durak, diminutive: Иванушка-дурачок, Ivanushka-durachok), also called Ivan the Ninny, is a lucky fool stock character who appears in Russian folklore, a very simple-minded, but, nevertheless, lucky young man.
Ivan the Fool usually appears in stories either as a peasant or as the son of a poor family.
In contrast to typical heroes, Ivan's simplicity and lack of guile turn out to help him in his adventures.
His naivety, kindness, and daring help him fight villains, make friends, and win princesses' hearts, and ultimately he is rewarded with half a kingdom or some similar accomplishment.
Andrey Sinyavsky remarks that Ivan the Fool is a positive character in all tales which mention him.