The Legend of Lake Baikal

Introduction

• The story is set in a faraway land.
• Focuses on Baikal, a rich and powerful landlord.

Characters

• Baikal: The landlord, strict and arbitrary, loves his daughter.
• Angara: Baikal's beautiful daughter, craves freedom, loves Yennessy.
• Yennessy: A poor man from the village, Angara's love interest.

Key Plot Points

Baikal's Control

• Baikal is worried about Angara's socializing with village youngsters.
• He disapproves of her relationship with Yennessy, emphasizing social status.
• Angara expresses her love for Yennessy, but Baikal insists on finding her a wealthy suitor.

Angara's Defiance

• Angara is locked in the attic by Baikal to prevent her from seeing Yennessy.
• Despite her father's control, Angara longs for Yennessy and feels miserable.
• Yennessy, worried about Angara, decides to visit her.

Escaping the Mansion

• Angara seeks help from a maid to escape.
• They fashion a rope from Angara's dresses to climb down from the attic and flee.
• They run into the woods to meet Yennessy.

The Chase

• Baikal discovers Angara's escape and orders his servants to chase Yennessy with dogs.
• Angara and Yennessy find a cave to hide and rest.

The Old Woman and the Elixir

• Inside the cave, an old woman warns them not to touch anything.
• Yennessy, curious, spills a bucket of tears meant for an elixir.
• The old woman curses them, taking Yennessy as a consequence.

The Climax

• Angara’s father finds them and tries to save her, but chaos ensues.
• A lizard is crushed by a falling rock trying to hold onto Yennessy.
• Angara’s father saves her but the cave collapses, trapping Yennessy.

Conclusion

• Baikal, grief-stricken, sheds tears that flood the forest, creating Lake Baikal.
• The story highlights themes of love, parental control, and sacrifice.