Tales of Wisdom. Insights from Russian Folklore

Виктор Мазанов

Tales of Wisdom. Insights from Russian Folklore

Fox and Wolf

Once upon a time, in a small village by the river, lived an old man and his wife. One frosty, sunny day, the grandfather decided:

– I fancy fish for supper!

He went fishing. He chopped a hole in the ice, sat with his rod—and soon had a whole cartload of fresh fish! As he headed home, rejoicing, he spotted a fox lying on the road, seemingly dead.

What luck! thought the grandfather. I’ll give the old woman a fox-fur collar!

He scooped up the creature and tossed it onto the cart, then walked ahead, unaware the fox was pretending. While he trudged along, the fox carefully tossed fish out of the cart—one by one, until none remained. Then it slipped away.

When the grandfather returned, he announced proudly:

– Wife, I’ve brought you a collar!

– Where? – the grandmother wondered.

– On the cart!

She went to look—no fish, no fox. She scolded him:

– You’ve been fooled again!

The grandfather realized:

– That sly fox tricked me!

He rushed outside, searching everywhere. But neither the fox nor the fish were found. He grieved and grieved, but it was too late to fix anything.

Meanwhile, the fox gathered the fish scattered along the road. It sat eating, licking its chops. Suddenly, a wolf appeared:

– Greetings, friend! Share some fish!

– Catch your own, – replied the fox.

– I don’t know how, – the wolf whined.

The fox narrowed its eyes cunningly:

– I’ll teach you. I caught these. Go to the river, dip your tail in the ice hole—that’s how you’ll catch them. Just sit there a good long while!

The wolf ran to the river, sat by the hole, and stayed all night. As the water froze, he thought: "The fish must be biting my tail."

"I’ll sit longer to catch more," he reasoned.

He might have stayed, but then he saw women approaching with buckets, shouting:

– A wolf! Beat him!

Terrified, the wolf tried to yank his tail free—but it was frozen solid. The women rushed over and thrashed him. He pulled and pulled, to no avail. Finally, he yanked with all his might, tore free—leaving his tail behind—and fled. As he ran, he fumed:

"That fox tricked me! I’ll teach her a lesson!"

Meanwhile, the fox craved more treats. It sneaked into a village hut where pancakes were baking, the window left open—and plunged snout-first into a dough tub. Panicked and smeared, it scrambled out and bolted to the woods.

Running along, it met the wolf:

– So, this is how you taught me, friend? Look—I’m bruised all over!

– Ah, dear wolf, – sighed the fox, – I was beaten worse! You have bumps, but my head’s split open. I’ll never make it home…

The wolf eyed the fox’s dough-caked head and thought: "She truly had it rough."

– Climb on my back. I’ll carry you, – he offered.

The fox hopped on, riding him and whispering:

"The beaten carries the unbeaten… The beaten carries the unbeaten…"

– What’s that you’re muttering, friend? – asked the wolf.

– I said, "The beaten carries the beaten," – lied the fox.

– Yes, friend… yes… – sighed the wolf.

He carried her to her den and left. The fox rejoiced at outsmarting everyone again. It decided to raid the village for chickens—but as it neared the fence, hounds burst out. The fox barely escaped, reaching its den battered and hiding to recover. The dogs had mauled it badly. This time, the fox learned: cunning alone isn’t enough to stay well-fed.

Key Themes for Discussion

Cunning and Gullibility

– The fox embodies cleverness and deceit, tricking the grandfather and wolf for gain.

– The wolf and grandfather, trusting blindly, become victims of her schemes.

Consequences of Deception

– The fox gains short-term rewards but must constantly devise new tricks.

– Trusting the fox leads the wolf into painful, humiliating situations.

Choices and Outcomes

– The grandfather chooses to trust first impressions without verifying if the fox was alive.

– The wolf follows the fox’s advice without considering potential risks.

Discussion Questions for Children

Why do you think the fox decided to trick the grandfather and wolf? What did she gain?

Helps explore character motivations and outcomes of actions.

What might have happened if the grandfather checked whether the fox was alive before loading it?

Highlights the importance of verifying information and critical thinking.

Why did the wolf trust the fox? What was the result? How else could he have acted?

Encourages analyzing situations and questioning dubious advice.

Do you think the fox was happy at the end? Why?

Prompts reflection on whether short-term gains from deceit lead to lasting happiness.

What would you do if you were the wolf or grandfather? How would you handle the situation?

Fosters empathy and consideration of alternative choices.

The Fox and the Rolling Pin

Once, a little fox was walking through the forest. She walked and walked—she grew hungry. She began to look for something to eat, but found nothing edible. Only a rolling pin lay on the ground. The fox picked up the rolling pin, twirled it in her paws—and thought of how to use it.

She went to a village and knocked on the first cottage she found:

– Let a little fox sister stay the night! It’s very cold!

– It’s cramped even without you! – answered the man from behind the door.

– I won’t crowd you! – the fox smiled slyly. – I’ll lie on the bench myself, tail under the bench, rolling pin under the stove.

They let her in. The fox settled down, hiding the rolling pin under the stove. Early in the morning, as soon as dawn broke, she sprang up, ran out the door and threw the rolling pin away. She lay again on the bench and waited for the owner to wake up.

When the man began to get up, the fox ran to the stove and cried out:

– Oh, my rolling pin has disappeared! It’s the most precious thing—a grandmother’s gift! I’ll die of sorrow! I want nothing in return, not even a chicken!

The man was frightened:

– Take my chicken, just don’t cry! And don’t tell anyone that I stole it—I never took your rolling pin!

– Nothing can replace it… – the fox sobbed, wiping her dry eyes with a paw.

The man kept urging her until he finally placed the chicken in her paws.

The little fox went on, humming:

The little fox walked along the path,

Carrying the rolling pin!

For the rolling pin—she’d trade a chicken!

The little fox had wanted to eat the chicken, but then she thought:

“What if I trick once more? Maybe I’ll get even more!”

She returned to the village and knocked on another house:

– Let a little fox sister stay the night! It’s very cold!

– It’s cramped even without you! – shouted the man from behind the door.

– I won’t crowd you! – the fox smiled slyly. – I’ll lie on the bench myself, tail under the bench, chicken under the stove.

They let her in. The fox settled down and hid the chicken under the stove. At dawn she slipped out, hid the chicken outside, then returned and lay again on the bench. When the owner began to wake, the fox wailed:

– Oh, my chicken has disappeared! Grandmother’s gift! More precious than any treasure! I’ll die of sorrow! I’ll take nothing in return, not even the fattest goose!

The man was frightened:

– Take my goose, just don’t cry! And don’t think badly of me, and tell no one I stole anything.

– Nothing can replace it… – the fox sobbed, wiping her dry eyes with a paw.

He kept urging her until he finally placed the goose in her paws.

The little fox went on, humming:

The little fox walked along the path,

Carrying the rolling pin!

For the rolling pin—a chicken!

For the chicken—a goose!

She knocked on the next cottage. Everything repeated: she lay on the bench, the goose under the stove. In the morning the same story unfolded—she hid the goose and cried out:

– My goose is gone! My best friend! I’ll take nothing for it—not even a rabbit!

The man was scared that he would be accused of theft. He began to persuade the fox until he handed her a rabbit.

The fox continued, her song ringing:

The little fox walked along the path,

Carrying the rolling pin!

For the rolling pin—a chicken!

For the chicken—a goose!

For the goose—a rabbit!

She knocked on yet another house. As before, she lay on the bench, the rabbit under the stove. At sunrise, tears and wails rose again:

– My rabbit is missing! It was unique! I won’t even take a piglet for it!

But the owner of this cottage was no fool. He had seen the fox leave the house at night and understood everything. While the fox slept, he put—not a piglet—but his own dog into a sack.

– Take a piglet, little fox, – he said, handing her the sack that was moving. – Just don’t think badly of me. I never took your rabbit!

The fox rejoiced, took the sack, and went to collect the hidden chicken, goose and rabbit. She gathered them all, intending to place them in the sack “as a piglet” for easier carrying. She opened the sack…

And from it—BARK!—the dog sprang out and lunged at the fox!

The fox fled, but the dog managed to tear at her sides and pull out a tuft of reddish fur. Miraculously, the fox escaped into the forest. The chicken, the goose and the rabbit returned home.

Since then the fox fears approaching any village—she believes a dog is waiting for her there.

Thus her cunning turned into misfortune.

Key Themes for Discussion

Greed and Deception

– The fox used lies to obtain more and more, but in the end she was left with nothing.

Credulity

– The homeowners believed her tears without checking whether she was telling the truth.

Justice

– The dog in the sack symbolizes justice; the fox’s deceit received its deserved punishment.

Discussion Questions for Children:

Why did the fox pretend to cry? What would you do in the men’s place?

This helps the child understand manipulation and the importance of honesty, prompting reflection on the characters’ motivations and what drives their actions.

How did the man with the dog figure out the deception? Why was his action just?

Encourages analysis of behavior and recognition of the reasons behind people’s actions.

What did the fox feel at the end? Can we feel sorry for her?

Develops empathy and the understanding that mistakes can teach valuable lessons.

How would the story end if the fox had not lied?

Stimulates imagination and contemplation of proper choices and their outcomes.

The Fox and the Hare

In a forest where the pines whisper to the wind, the Fox and the Hare lived.

The Hare owned a modest but cozy hut built of sturdy oak boards – a log cabin. He never boasted, tended his garden in silence and drank tea brewed with fragrant forest herbs.

The Fox, however, spent the whole winter showing off:

– Look at my palace! – she rang, tapping her paw on the glittering icy walls. – All of silver and diamonds! Dear neighbours, you are most welcome!

The other animals came, admired the patterns on the walls, and the Fox sighed languidly:

– Oh, the life of a queen is so heavy!

When spring arrived, streams sang, the sun shone and melted the snow. The Fox’s icy “palace” melted in a single night – like sugar in tea. Only a puddle remained. The Hare’s cabin, which the Fox had once mocked, stood as good as new – dry and sturdy.

A wet, trembling Fox knocked on the Hare’s door:

– Neighbor, dear! Let me warm up, even for a minute. I’m freezing! – she whined, pretending to be helpless.

The kind Hare flung the door open:

– Come in, make yourself at home! Sit by the stove, I’ll brew some tea.

At first the Fox behaved properly: thanked him, sat modestly on the edge of the bench. But with each new cup of tea (the Hare kept refilling her) she grew bolder.

– Oh, how cozy it is here! – the Fox sighed. – Isn’t it a bit cramped for the two of us? Move over, Hare!

She pushed the host away from the stove.

– The rug at the door is dirty – it should be thrown out! – she grumbled, sprawling on the hare’s little couch. – And your soup is under‑salted. Your cabin, to be honest, is too small for someone as important as me!

The Hare only flapped his ears:

– I’m sorry, little Fox, I tried…

But the Fox sprang up, eyes flashing:

– Enough trying! Out of MY house! I’m the mistress now!

She hurled the poor fellow out, slamming the door loudly.

The Hare walked along the path, tears dripping onto the moss. Suddenly a Dog appeared:

– Woof‑woof! Why are you crying, Hare?

– How can I not? I had a log cabin, and the Fox had an icy one. Spring came, her house melted, she asked to stay – I let her in. And now she’s driven me out.

– Don’t worry! We’ll chase her away! – promised the Dog.

They approached the Fox’s house:

– Hey, Fox! Get out!

From the stove the Fox shouted:

– Try to drive me out! I’ll jump, I’ll leap – shards will fly everywhere!

The Dog was frightened, tucked his tail and ran away.

The Hare wept again. He kept walking and met a Bear:

– What’s wrong, little one?

– I had a log cabin, the Fox an icy one. Spring melted her house, she asked to stay. I let her in, and she drove me out.

– Ah, you trickster! Don’t cry, I’ll throw her out!

– You can’t… – the Hare replied sadly. – The Dog tried – couldn’t. The Bear tried – couldn’t.

– I can! Let’s go!

They approached the house:

– Out, Fox, from someone else’s home!

From the stove the Fox answered:

– Oh‑oh! I’m scared! I’ll jump, I’ll leap – shards will fly everywhere!

The Bear flinched and fled.

The Hare kept walking, still crying, when a Bull appeared:

– Moo! Why so sad?

– How can I not… I had a log cabin, the Fox an icy one. Spring melted her house. I let her in, she drove me out.

– I’ll chase her away with my horns!

– You won’t, – sighed the Hare. – The Dog tried – couldn’t. The Bear tried – couldn’t. You won’t either…

– We’ll see! Let’s go!

They approached the house:

– Out, Fox, away!

From the stove the Fox shouted again:

– I’ll jump, I’ll leap – shards will fly everywhere!

The Bull snorted… and ran off.

The Hare’s tears kept flowing. Then a Rooster with a sharp scythe on his shoulder met him:

– Coo‑ka‑re‑koo! What’s the trouble, Hare? Why are you crying?

– How can I not… I had a log cabin, the Fox an icy one. Her house melted, I let her in, she drove me out.

– Let’s go, I’ll chase her away!

– You can’t… The Dog tried – couldn’t, the Bear tried – couldn’t, the Bull tried – couldn’t.

– I can! – the Rooster declared confidently.

They approached the house:

– Coo‑ka‑re‑koo! I’m carrying a scythe, I’ll cut the Fox! Come out, Fox, here!

A trembling voice came from inside:

– I… I’m getting dressed!

The Rooster repeated:

– Coo‑ka‑re‑koo! I’m carrying a scythe, I’ll cut the Fox! Come out, Fox, here!

– I’m putting on a coat! – the Fox squeaked.

The Rooster shouted a third time, even louder:

– Coo‑ka‑re‑koo! I’m carrying a scythe, I’ll cut the Fox! Come out, Fox, here!

The Fox sprang out like a startled bird and fled into the thicket without looking back.

The Rooster did not strike her – his courage was enough to protect his friend.

Since then the Hare and the Rooster have lived together in a warm little house, drinking raspberry tea and recalling how bravery defeats trickery.

Key Themes for Discussion

Cunning vs. Kindness

– The Fox deceived the Hare by exploiting his kindness, but it was kindness that attracted true friends to him.

Bravery and Its Sources

– False bravery: the Dog, Bear and Bull relied on strength but fled from threats.

– True bravery: the Rooster won not by size but by confidence and standing his ground.

Friendship and Mutual Help

– The animals helped the Hare because they sympathized with him. The Rooster became a genuine friend, showing the power of support and loyalty.

Discussion Questions for Children

Why did the Hare let the Fox in, even though he knew she was sly?

Helps children see how kindness can border on excessive trust.

Why did the Fox frighten the strong animals, but not the Rooster?

Teaches the difference between physical strength and the strength of spirit.

What would you do in the Hare’s place if the Rooster had not appeared?

Encourages critical thinking and searching for alternative solutions in a difficult situation.

Why didn’t the Rooster harm the Fox, but only drove her away?

Shows that justice need not be cruelty; it is the resolve to stop wrongdoing.

What did the Hare learn from this story?

Highlights the importance of choosing friends wisely and valuing one’s own home.

The Fox and the Crane

In a dense forest where a clear stream wound its way between tall pines, a cunning red fox and a wise crane with long legs and a sharp beak lived as neighbours. They often met by the forest stream, chatted about the weather, discussed forest news, and over time a friendship grew between them.

One spring, when the first flowers appeared in the woods, the fox and the crane became godparents to a family of squirrels. After this joyful event they grew even closer and began to call each other dear friends.

A few weeks later the fox wanted to show off her cooking skills, so she decided to invite the crane to lunch.

– Dear friend! – said the fox, meeting the crane by the river. – Come to my house tomorrow! I’ll prepare something very tasty for you. I’ll treat you so well you’ll lick your fingers!

The crane, polite and trusting, gladly accepted:

– Thank you for the invitation! I’ll definitely come.

The next day the crane, dressed in his finest feathers, set off to the fox’s house. He was very hungry and eagerly awaited the feast.

The fox greeted him at her burrow with a wide smile:

– Come in, come in! Everything is ready!

She led the crane to a table where a broad, flat plate lay. On it was a thin layer of fragrant semolina porridge.

– Help yourself, dear friend! – said the fox, sitting opposite him. – I made this porridge especially for you.

The crane tried to scoop the porridge with his long, sharp beak, but nothing worked. The porridge was spread so thinly on the flat plate that he could not grasp any of it. He tapped the plate with his beak, trying to catch even a crumb, but all in vain.

Meanwhile the fox happily lapped the porridge with her wide tongue, quickly eating everything down to the last drop.

When the plate was empty, the fox licked her lips contentedly and said:

– I’m sorry, dear friend, there’s nothing left to serve. I hope you liked it!

The crane, still very hungry, replied politely:

– Thank you for the treat! Now come to my house tomorrow; I’d like to treat you as well.

The fox, pleased with her cleverness, gladly agreed.

The following day, anticipating a hearty meal, the fox went to the crane’s house. She was very hungry and hoped to fill herself for the whole week ahead.

The crane warmly welcomed her at his home:

– Welcome! Come to the table, the feast is ready.

On the table stood a tall jug with a narrow neck, from which a tempting aroma of okroshka (a cold soup) drifted.

– Help yourself, dear companion! – said the crane. – I prepared this especially for you.

The fox approached the jug and tried to reach the soup, but her broad snout could not fit into the narrow neck. She spun around the jug, tried to stick her tongue inside, and managed only to sniff the delicious scent.

The crane, meanwhile, easily slipped his long beak into the neck and ate the okroshka with appetite, finishing it down to the last crumb.

When the jug was empty, the crane said politely:

– I’m sorry, dear companion, there’s nothing left to serve.

The fox realized she had received a lesson for her cunning. She felt upset and angry, but said nothing. Hungry and offended, she went home empty‑handed.

Since then the fox and the crane no longer kept each other’s company. When they met in the forest they only nodded to each other from a distance and never invited each other over again.

The fox learned an important lesson: if you want others to treat you honestly and fairly, you must first act honestly and fairly toward them. As you treat people, so they will treat you.

Key Themes for Discussion

Cunning and Its Consequences

– The fox tried to outwit the crane for her own benefit.

– The cunning turned against the fox herself.

Friendship and Resentment

– The fox and the crane were friends, but resentment ended their friendship.

– Respecting a friend’s interests is essential.

Respect and Politeness

– The crane thanked the fox for the dinner even though it was not very successful.

– The fox did not show respect for the crane or his offering.

Discussion Questions for Children

Why couldn’t the fox eat the porridge, while the crane couldn’t eat the okroshka?

This helps the child consider the importance of taking into account the different abilities and needs of other people.

Why do you think the fox got upset with the crane?

This encourages the child to think about managing one’s emotions and responding appropriately to situations.

Do you think the crane acted correctly by responding to the fox in the same way? Could he have acted differently?

This question develops the ability to analyze different behavioural options and understand the concept of fairness.

What can be done to preserve a friendship?

This invites the child to reflect on the importance of respect, trust, and mutual understanding in relationships.

What lesson from this tale can you apply in your own life with friends and family?

The most important question, helping the child connect the story’s moral with real life and personal behaviour.

Kolobok

In a small village lived a grandfather and a grandmother. They were not wealthy, but they lived together peacefully. The grandfather worked in the garden all day, while the grandmother kept the household and cooked meals.