The Story of Snegurochka - The Snow MaidenCan wishes come true? Sometimes they can. This is the tale of Snegurochka - the snow maiden who came to visit an elderly couple in Russia.
An elderly woodcutter and his wife resided in an isba (log house) deep among the forests of Northern Russia. Winter had arrived, and the land was heavily blanketed with snow, making things difficult.
The woodcutter and his wife were good people who put in a lot of effort, but they were also sad and lonely because they had no children and no one to look out for them or provide for them through the harsh winter.
Days went by so slowly, and their only solace was their laborious task. Both food and wood needed to be cut. Later, one day, as they were preparing a space for more wood to be cut, they started to build snow mounds. The elderly couple started to mould the snow into human shapes as they remembered the games they used to play as kids. By the time they had completed it, they were virtually frozen, but the image of the young girl they had produced was so lovely, it was beyond words.
The elderly man remarked, "See wife, our daughter Snegurochka." (Snow maiden.) The elderly woman grinned, but tears welled up in her eyes as her husband turned away.
The twigs in the forest shook and cracked because Father Frost, an ancient winter deity who dwelt deep within the forest glades, was watching the elderly couple. Father Frost decided to produce a daughter in his spirit for the elderly couple since he felt sorry for them. Before raising the staff that he was carrying into the air, he scratched his long, white beard and gave it some thought. The woodlands shook with a frizzle of magic.
After finishing their chores once more, the elderly couple was shocked to see the most stunning pale girl with long flaxen hair standing in their garden.
She wore a long, light blue robe with a soft fur collar and cuff trim that was decorated with glittering snowflakes. A fur and snowflake hat that almost resembled a crown and shone like an icy flame was placed on her head. She wore embroidered boots on her feet and a dark blue cape over her shoulders.
The elderly couple gasped in shock and disbelief when they saw their long-awaited child in front of them. They were overcome with happiness when Snegurochka cautiously approached them and said, "If it pleases you, I have come to be your daughter and will care for you as my mother and father."
The elderly woman took hold of the snow maiden's frail hand and joyfully guided her in the direction of the isba. Snegurochka saw the animals and trees of the winter forest wishing her a happy life as she pursued the couple.
Snegurochka took good care of the couple and assisted with the household duties. They couldn't believe how lucky they were to have such a sweet and lovely child.
She was quiet and pale, and sometimes it seemed as though she might be lifeless, even though her parents were concerned for her. Her grin, though, could light up the forest, and she always had a fire in her brilliant blue eyes.
The forest's animals and trees were beloved by the snow princess. She was an obedient daughter to her adoptive parents in her mortal body, never groaning or grumbling, yet there was a remoteness in her eyes.
After two joyous months, it was time for the winter holidays. A few kilometres away, strollers and performers filled the busy town streets.
On their way to town, groups of people occasionally travelled through the forest. Through the frozen isba window, Snegurochka observed the people as they went past. The elderly woman expressed concern and urged that Snegurochka join the festivities because she must find living with an elderly couple to be monotonous. Nevertheless, Snegurochka reassured them that she was happy with them.
Then one day, as she peered out the frosty window, she spotted Misgir, the nobleman's son, and Coupava, his fiancée. She watched them frolicking and having fun in the snow. She also saw the young couple's incredibly unique bond, which she had never seen before.
Father Frost visited her later that day while she was out for a walk in the forest and advised her not to ever develop such a bond with a human since doing so would lead to disaster. Yet, poor Snegurochka was unable to stop thinking about the peculiar connection between the two teenagers.
She was unable to resist her desire to learn more. The elderly woman assisted her in donning her tiny cape before she left to join the group of people strolling into the town.
Snegurochka was quickly welcomed after someone spotted the lovely young woman standing on the outskirts of the town. She approached Misgir and Coupava when she spotted them in the crowd, but Coupava yanked Misgir violently away out of jealousy. Despite this, her beauty and purity enthralled the crowd.
Snegurochka began to visit the town frequently after that.
One day, while she took in the activity of the crowds, she overheard the loveliest music. It was a little shepherd boy's singing. Lel was his name. Snegurochka drew nearer to get a better sound. Lel thought the young girl was really attractive as she watched him play his flute. They quickly became inseparable after he fell head over heels in love with Snegurochka.
The weeks went by, and spring was getting closer. Father Frost seemed concerned. He cautioned Snegurochka to stay away from the sun god's powerful beams, which were fatal to her. He insisted that she constantly remain in the shade.
Many people abandoned their homes as springtime got closer.
Lel would rush to Snegurochka's isba, tap on the window, and say, "Lovely Snegurochka, come and join us?" whenever the little girls would come out to the promenade and sing.
He didn't leave her side once she showed up. They would dance beneath the trees, but Snegurochka knew something was still missing because she was aware she did not feel the same as people did.
She grew paler and weaker the more she thought of Lel, but she still went in search of Mother Spring in the woods and enquired as to whether she could sense the unique bond that people shared. Mother Spring promised to fulfil her dream, but if she continued down this path, she would undoubtedly die. Sad, Snegurochka returned home.
Father Frost kept an eye on her from afar because he knew what was about to happen to her.
She avoided the town, the forest treks, and Lel for a while. Then, one lovely morning, Lel knocked on Snegurochka's small window and begged her to accompany him outside for only a brief time. Snegurochka resisted listening for a while until her heart eventually gave in. She came to the realisation that she could either remain hidden for all time or she could experience what it was like to be truly human.
She strolled with Lel to the birch forest's edge. She demanded, "Lel, play your flute for me."
She was warm in heart. She stood in front of Lel with so little vitality left in her that her limbs and legs were tingling, and her pale face appeared bloodless. The young man fluted away. She first experienced love while she listened to music. Her eyes began to tear up.
She could not withstand the warmth she felt in her heart, though, as she was an ice and snow creature. She sent forth the tiniest sigh before melting.
Lel went to hold Snegurochka as they exited the woodland and entered the sunlight, but as he did so, she dropped to the soggy ground and vanished without a trace. The only thing left was an icy mist that was rising into the sky.
After the snow maiden vanished, spring descended upon the region; the fields' tiny flowers started to bloom, and the frost withdrew. The arrival of spring was welcomed by everyone. Everyone but the young shepherd who, despite the sun's warmth, felt alone and chilly.
The elderly couple experienced great sorrow but had always understood in their hearts that the enchantment could not last. They were just grateful for the lovely snow princess who had brightened their life, given them hope in the dead of winter, and given them warmth and joy.
