The Snow Maiden awaiting Spring

When they stepped through the palace gates, Snegurochka and her parents were dazzled by their surroundings. The gardens were filled with exotic flowers, and the palace walls were painted with precious gold. The Tsar’s lords and ladies surrounded him, and all were dressed in furs and silk. The Tsar sat before them on a bejewelled throne, and looked more magnificent than any other person in the room.

Snegurochka could barely even lift her eyes to meet the monarch, for she was so overcome with all that she saw. The Tsar told the beautiful maiden not to be afraid, but to answer his questions truthfully. He wanted to know if she had willfully stolen the heart of Coupava’s love, Mizgar.

All Snegurochka could say was that although Mizgar had sought her hand in marriage, she refused his every advance. The Tsar of Berendey could see she was telling the truth.

“I see that this is no fault of yours, dear girl. Therefore do not be afraid. You may return home with your parents.”

Snegurochka did go back to the cottage with her parents, but from that day forth she never left the cottage to stroll with the young people. Even Lel, her loving companion, could not persuade her to come dance and sing.

At last Spring came to the village, and the sun warmed the frozen ground. Birds returned to the now budding trees, and the air filled with the sweet smell of new life. The young villagers went to the forest to gather mushrooms and dance. Lel came to Snegurochka’s cottage often, begging her to join them. She always refused, and was growing sadder and paler each day.

On a day when the sun shone the brightest, Lel came to Snegurochka’s window and pleaded for her company. Again she refused, but then could no longer resist. She left the cottage and walked with Lel towards the forest.

As they reached a beautiful meadow, snegurochka said to him,

“Play for me, my dear friend. Play one last song!”

Lel took out his flute and began to play the mysterious and beautiful refrain of Snegurochka’s favorite song. As she watched him play, love for Lel filled every corner of her heart, and she knew this was the emotion she had been warned against so long ago by the Spirit of the Wood. Large tears filled her eyes, and she began to melt away.

In a few moments, she had all but vanished. Only a wisp of white mist, rising slowly towards the heavens, remained.

And so the fears of her mother had come true. Snegurochka, the beautiful daughter of Spring and Winter, had fallen in love with a man and was glimpsed by Yarilo the sun-god. He had touched her with his warmth, and claimed her for his own.