The Hardworking and the Lazy – A Russian Folk Tale about Hard Work and Laziness

Description: This Russian folk tale tells the story of two sisters – the hardworking Radivaya and her lazy sister, who didn’t want to work. The story teaches that hard work always pays off, while laziness is punished. Read the full text of the tale!

Once upon a time, there were two sisters. One was named Radivaya because she was always hardworking and diligent. The other was named Lenivaya (Lazy) – she never did anything, lying around all day without lifting a finger. They lived together, but their lives were very different: Radivaya was always doing something, while Lenivaya just found excuses not to work.

One autumn, Radivaya said to her sister:

– Sister, let’s gather the harvest; winter is not far off.

But Lenivaya just waved her off:

– Why now? Wait, winter is still far away, we have time.

Radivaya didn’t argue, she went alone to the field, gathered the harvest, put it in the pantry, and prepared for winter. Lenivaya, however, did nothing.

Winter came. Radivaya’s house was warm and cozy, and the pantry was full of food. But Lenivaya was left with nothing. She went to her sister and said:

– Sister, give me some food, I have nothing to eat and no shelter from the cold.

Radivaya answered:

– What did you do in the summer when I was working?

Lenivaya blushed but replied:

– I lay around and rested.

Radivaya sighed and decided to help her sister. But first, she gave her a task:

– Alright, I will help you, but you must at least sweep the snow from the porch and chop some wood. Then, I will share my bread and vegetables with you.

Lenivaya reluctantly took the shovel and axe. But as soon as she worked a little, she gave up and said:

– Oh, I can’t do it! My hands hurt, my back aches. I’ll rest again.

Radivaya realized that she couldn’t teach her sister anything. From that day on, she stopped helping Lenivaya until she started working herself. Lenivaya went hungry and cold for a long time, but eventually, she realized that nothing could be achieved without work. From then on, she began to do her part.

Moral: This story teaches us that hard work and persistence bear fruit, while laziness leads to trouble. One must work in time, so as not to suffer from their carelessness later on.

Questions for children:

1. Why was Radivaya always full and happy?
2. How did Lenivaya try to get help from her sister?
3. What lesson does this story teach us?