Виктор Мазанов – Tales of Wisdom. Insights from Russian Folklore (страница 6)

– Wait, fox! Hear my song first! – said the kolobok and began:

I am Kolobok, Kolobok,

Swept from the threshing floor,

Scraped from the box,

Mixed with sour cream,

Baked in the oven,

Chilled on the window!

I’ve fled from Grandfather,

I’ve fled from Grandmother,

I’ve fled from the hare,

I’ve fled from the wolf,

I’ve fled from the bear,

And from you, fox – I’ll slip away even faster!

– What a wonderful song! – praised the fox. – But you know, Kolobok, I’m not as young as I used to be; my hearing is poor. Come a little closer and sing again, please.

Flattered by the compliment, the kolobok rolled nearer and sang once more.

– Thank you, dear! – said the fox. – Still, I can’t hear well. Sit on my nose and sing one last time, as loudly as you can.

Without thinking of the danger, the kolobok leapt onto the fox’s nose. As soon as he opened his mouth to sing, the fox snapped his nose shut, opened her jaws, and swallowed him whole.

Thus ended the kolobok’s adventures. His overconfidence and frivolity led to a sad end. The fox, satisfied, licked her lips and went on her way, thinking: “Cunning and patience always defeat boastfulness and carelessness.”

Overconfidence and Its Consequences

– The kolobok was too sure of himself and believed he could outrun everyone.

– Excessive self‑assurance blinds one to real danger.

Cunning and Trust

– The fox used flattery to deceive the kolobok.

– The kolobok believed the flattering words, even though he had previously been cautious.

The Value of Caution and Prudence

– The kolobok could have avoided disaster if he had been more careful.

– One must not be overly trusting.

Why did the kolobok believe the fox, even though he had successfully escaped the other animals?

This helps the child understand how flattery and feigned kindness can be more dangerous than a direct threat.

What would you do in the kolobok’s place when you meet the fox?

Encourages critical thinking and the ability to anticipate the consequences of one’s actions.

How do you think Grandfather and Grandmother felt when they discovered the kolobok was missing?

Helps develop empathy and an understanding that our actions affect loved ones.

What advice would you give the kolobok if you could speak to him at the beginning of the story?

Assists the child in formulating life principles and practicing the skill of giving counsel.

What lesson can be taken from this tale?

Leads to the idea that modesty and caution are more valuable than overconfidence.

Dog, Cat, Rooster and Fox

In a cozy cottage on the edge of the forest lived three friends: a Dog, a Cat and a Rooster. The Dog guarded the house and kept order, the Cat looked after the household and gave good advice, and the Rooster delighted everyone with his bright plumage and ringing songs.

One morning the Dog went into the forest to chop firewood, and the Cat took a lunch to him. As he left, he warned the Rooster very seriously:

– Watch yourself, Pete, stay at home, keep quiet and don’t open the door for anyone! A Fox might come and carry you away.

As soon as the friends were gone, a cunning Fox slipped up to the house. She sat under the window and sang sweetly:

Pete, Pete, little rooster,

Golden comb!

Look out the window —

I’ll give you some peas!

The Rooster’s curiosity was piqued: who could be singing so beautifully? He stuck his head out the window— the Fox seized him at once and fled into the forest! The Rooster shouted at the top of his lungs:

The Fox carries me

Into dark forests,

Over high mountains,

Across swift rivers!

Dog and Cat, save me!

The Dog and the Cat heard their friend’s cry from afar, rushed to help, caught up with the Fox, rescued the Rooster and brought him home.

– Oh, Pete! – the Cat said sternly. – Don’t trust a fox’s songs! She’s taken you once already, and she’ll take you again if you believe her!

The next day the Dog went back to work in the woods, and the Cat brought him a treat. Before leaving, he warned the Rooster again:

– If the Fox carries you away, we may be too far to hear you. Stay quiet, don’t open the door to anyone!

He locked the door and left.

Meanwhile the Fox kept watching from the bushes. As soon as the Cat disappeared from sight, she returned to the house and sang again:

Pete, Pete, little rooster,

Golden comb!

Look out the window —

I’ll give you a little grain!

The Rooster did not answer. Then the Fox placed a few grains by the door and said:

– Don’t be afraid, Pete, here’s some grain, and I’m off.

In fact she hid behind the door, standing perfectly still.