Snowgirl and the Fox – A Tale About Help and Gratitude

Summary

Snowgirl, left alone in the forest, was saved by the Fox and returned to her grandparents. The story teaches gratitude and caution.

The Tale

Once upon a time, there lived an old man and an old woman. They had a granddaughter, Snowgirl—a girl made of snow. One summer day, she went to the forest with her friends to pick berries.

The girls wandered through the forest, gathering berries from bush to bush, until Snowgirl fell behind. The friends called for her but received no answer. As night fell, they returned home, leaving her alone in the forest.

Snowgirl climbed a tree to avoid wild animals and began crying bitterly while singing:

“Oh, Grandfather, oh, Grandmother,
Snowgirl is lost in the forest!
Her friends led her deep inside,
Then left her here and ran away.”

A bear came by and asked, “Why are you crying, Snowgirl?” She explained how her friends had left her in the forest. The bear said, “Come down, and I’ll carry you home!” But Snowgirl was afraid: “No, you’ll eat me!” The bear left.

Next, a wolf appeared and also offered to help, but she refused to trust him. The wolf left, and Snowgirl cried again.

Finally, a fox arrived. “Why are you crying, Snowgirl?” she asked. Snowgirl told her story. “Come down, and I’ll carry you home!” said the fox. Snowgirl decided to trust her.

The fox placed Snowgirl on her back and carried her home. When they reached the gate, the fox knocked with her tail and called, “I’ve brought your Snowgirl back!”

The old man and woman were overjoyed. They treated the fox with milk, cottage cheese, and eggs and gave her a chicken as a farewell gift. The fox left satisfied, and Snowgirl promised never to wander alone in the forest again.

Moral

This story teaches us the importance of gratitude and caution. Always thank those who help you, and heed the warnings of your loved ones.

Questions About the Tale

• Why was Snowgirl left alone in the forest?
• Why did she refuse to go with the bear or the wolf?
• How did the fox help Snowgirl get home?
• How did the old man and woman thank the fox?