The Secret of the Great Shaman — A Siberian Legend

In the vast snowy expanses of Siberia, where majestic forests seem endless, lived a family of hunters. Their children, Misha and Alyona, often wandered through the woods, observing birds and animals. But one day, the forest grew eerily quiet. "Where have all the animals gone?" asked Alyona. The village elder sighed, "It happened because the harmony of the land was disturbed. Someone trespassed on sacred grounds. Only the Great Shaman can restore balance."

Misha and Alyona decided to search for the shaman. "We have to save the forest!" said Alyona. Taking only bread and warm furs, they set off. The elder pointed the way: "Head north to the sacred mountain. There you will find him."

Their journey led them through snowy valleys and across icy rivers. Soon they reached a dark forest, where every tree seemed alive. Along the way, they encountered a white wolf that blocked their path. "Why are you here?" he asked. Alyona replied boldly, "We’re looking for the shaman to bring the animals back to the forest." The wolf nodded, "I will help you if you pass a test." He posed a riddle: "What gives warmth but does not burn?" Misha answered, "The heart." The wolf allowed them to pass.

Beyond the forest, the children came to a frozen lake. The ice was thin, but across the lake, they saw a light — the next step of their journey. "How will we cross the lake?" Alyona asked. Misha noticed the ice was thicker along the edges, and they carefully walked along the shore. Finally, they reached the other side, where a large raven awaited them. "To find the shaman, you must understand what true strength is," he said. The children thought carefully. "Strength is helping those who need it," Alyona answered. The raven nodded and pointed them toward the mountain.

Climbing the mountain, the children found a cave glowing with faint light. Inside, the Great Shaman awaited them. His eyes shone like stars, and his voice was deep and calm: "I have been expecting you. To restore harmony, you must learn the ancient magic. But remember, magic works only when used with a pure heart."

The shaman gave them a task: to light three fires in the forest, symbolizing life, balance, and protection. The first fire was at an old oak in the heart of the forest. The children lit it while speaking words of gratitude to nature. The second fire was by a stream where animals once came to drink. The third fire was at a bear’s den to summon the spirit of strength.

When all three fires were lit, the forest came alive. Animals returned, birds sang again, and the snow sparkled in the glow of the magical flames. The shaman appeared before the children: "You have restored harmony. The forest is safe now, thanks to your courage and kindness."

As a token of gratitude, he gave them wooden talismans that glowed with a soft green light. "These talismans will remind you that nature always responds to care," he said before disappearing.

Misha and Alyona returned home as heroes. From that day on, the forest was full of life again, and the children never forgot their adventure or the lessons of the Great Shaman: respect for nature and unity are the forces that can change the world.