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Snegurochka and her father, the Mighty Man of Winter
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Part One:
“A long time ago, the Fairy of Spring and the Mighty Man of Winter were deeply in love. Although this love ended, they were held together by their one daughter, Snegurochka.
When Snegurochka was sixteen years old, her parents sadly realized that Snegurochka could not be hidden away forever in their home in the icy North. It was time for the Fairy of Spring and the Mighty Man of Winter to travel the world and bring the end of one season and the beginning of another. While they were gone their daughter could be seen by the sun-god Yarilo, thus causing her death. So Snegurochka’s parents sought help from the Spirit of the Wood, who promised to guard their daughter from any harm.
Her parents left to ready the world for Spring, and Snegurochka was able to go out into the world. Before Snegurochka left, she was given a stern warning from the Spirit of the Wood that she would be safe from death by the sun’s rays only as long as she did not allow the love of a man to enter her heart.
In a village in the Kingdom of Berendey there lived an old peasant and his wife. They were very poor and unhappy because they had no children. They prayed for a child, but never received one. One morning, when the frost was thick on their windows, the old couple went outside of their cottage and to their great surprise, there stood Snegurochka. Her eyes sparkled like crystals and she was dressed in shimmering gowns. A crown of ice sparkled on her head, and when she spoke to the old couple who thought they must be dreaming.
“Do not be frightened,” she said. “I have come to you to be your daughter.”
The old couple was overjoyed, and they led her into the warmth of their cottage.
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After several happy years, the peasant and his wife noticed that Snegurochka never went outdoors. They had never been so happy as when this beautiful maiden entered their home, for she was a kind and respectful girl. Yet they worried over her pale skin and delicate body, and constantly urged her to go outdoors, walk into the village, and make friends among the young men and women her own age.
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The Bolshoi Ballet performs
"The Snow Maiden"
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Snegurochka always refused to leave the cottage, saying she was very happy to stay indoors with them. Deep down, she was afraid of going anywhere the Sun might see her.
Early one evening, however, Snegurochka looked out of the cottage upon the busy street filled with young people traveling to the village. She could no longer stand her isolation, for they looked so happy and she was so lonely! She finally put on her cape and went outside to join them.
On the road to the village, she met a young maiden named Coupava. This girl was beautiful and boisterous, and flirted with all the young lads and didn’t have a care in the world. Coupava introduced Snegurochka to all of her friends, and from then on Snegurochka left the cottage in the twilight hours to watch all her new friends dance and sing.
Lel, a shepard boy, soon fell in love with the beautiful Snegurochka, and she felt a strange new happiness whenever she was with him. They quickly became friends and often strolled and talked together.
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One day, a rich young merchant named Mizgar came to the village and joined the youths in their singing and dancing. Right away he was smitten with the dark-haired Coupava, and soon they were in love. He lavished fine gifts upon her, which Coupava flaunted in front of all the other villagers.
During one evening of dancing with the villagers, Mizgar spotted Snegurochka. From then on, his interest in Coupava faded, as she seemed so loud and bold when compared with Snegurochka’s shy and fragile beauty. He ended his relationship with Coupava, and it was heard about the village that now Mizgar was visiting Snegurochka’s cottage in hopes of winning her hand in marriage.
When Coupava heard this rumor, she was furious! She went to Snegurochka’s cottage and angrily confronted her. After that, she went to the Tsar to complain of Snegurochka’s evil, enticing ways.
The Tsar of Berendey was both powerful and kind, and always wanted the best for his subjects. He listened carefully to Coupava’s side of the story, then ordered that Snegurochka be brought to him so he could hear from her whether or not this was true.
The Tsar’s men came for Snegurochka , and her parents were very fearful. They decided to accompany her to the palace to ensure no harm would come to her.
Click HERE to continue . . .
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