In the good old days there were men living in the world, I cannot say exactly where, I only know that their dwelling place was surrounded by huge, impenetrable forests, and that one side opened onto the steppe. They were free, lighthearted, powerful men, who wanted nothing. But at last a great trouble fell upon them. Other races of people arrived and drove the first settlers away into the depths of the forest. There all was darkness and swamp, for the trees were so old that their thick branches had grown interlaced, hiding the sky above them, so that the sun’s rays could hardly penetrate through the solid screen of foliage. When by chance they touched the stagnant water of the marsh, the exhalation was so poisonous that the people died one after another. The women and children began to lament, and became sad and thoughtful. It was evident that they must leave the forest.

In this Russian legend, a young man sacrifices his life to save his people.