Masha and the Bear – A Russian Folk Tale with a Moral Lesson
The Russian folk tale "Masha and the Bear" is about cleverness, resourcefulness, and bravery. Read the full version with the original plot and interesting details.
Description: The story of little Masha, who got lost in the forest and fell into the clutches of the Bear. However, her cleverness and resourcefulness helped her return home. A fairy tale full of adventure and wisdom.
Once upon a time, there lived a grandfather and a grandmother, and they had a granddaughter named Masha. One day, the girl went into the forest to pick mushrooms and berries. She wandered through the forest and unknowingly got lost. She searched for the way back but couldn’t find it. Suddenly, she saw a little house in front of her. Masha knocked on the door, and a huge Bear came out from behind the doorframe.
– Aha! – said the Bear. – Now you will live with me. You will clean for me, cook, and you won’t leave!
Masha was frightened, but she had no choice – she stayed in the house. Every day, the Bear went to the forest, and the girl was not allowed to leave the house:
– If you leave, I’ll find you and eat you!
Masha lived with the Bear for a long time. She missed her home and one day came up with a clever plan. She baked pies, placed them in a big box, and said to the Bear:
– Take these pies to Grandpa and Grandma. But remember: don’t open the box on the way, or the pies will spoil!
The Bear was happy to be so well-fed and agreed. Masha hid inside the box and closed the lid. The Bear took the box and carried it to the village. He walked for a long time, got tired, and sat on a tree stump.
– I’ll sit on the stump and eat a pie! – he said.
But Masha called out from the box: – Don’t open the lid! Take the pies to Grandpa and Grandma!
The Bear was frightened, picked up the box, and walked on. He reached the house of Masha’s grandparents, placed the box by the gate, and knocked:
– Here are the pies from Masha! – he said and left.
Grandpa and Grandma opened the box, and their beloved granddaughter jumped out! They were so happy, hugged her, and thanked her for her cleverness. The Bear never understood what had happened.
Moral: This fairy tale teaches that cleverness and resourcefulness can help overcome any difficulties. It is also important to stay calm and believe in yourself.
Questions for children:
- How did Masha end up in the Bear’s house?
- Why didn’t the Bear open the box on the way?
- What lesson does this story teach us?
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