Page 116 - Animals of the Sakhalin Region in myths and legends

A rich merchant once lived in Russia. And that merchant had three daughters. He
loved his home most of all his wealth, because he was a widower. But the smallest
among them, Maryushka, was especially dear to her father’s heart. And she had a
kind and cheerful disposition, and she was good-looking, as the morning dawn is
beautiful. And her sisters, envious and greedy, sit all day and whitewash, and blush,
and dress up in new clothes. But nobody loved them.
It happened once, when a merchant was getting ready on a long journey across the
sea. Father’s heart sensed that the sisters were up to something bad, and he says to
Maryushka:
— If they offend and oppress you, do not argue, but rather go aside. And if it is

sad and lonely — here’s a magic waxwing for you. Pour some spring water into the
waxwing and blow harder into it. Then your friend will appear to you. All ailments
and sorrows will run away.
The next morning, as soon as the father left, the older daughters immediately began
to offend Maryushka. They tugged on the braid, then they would pour water over him.
And every day they mock and scold more than ever before.

A long time without a father drags on. Maryushka became quite lonely, her heart
yearned for a kind word. Maryushka remembered about the waxwing that her father
had left, and about her promised friend. In the evening she went to a clearing in the
forest, sat by a stream under a birch, took some water and blew a whistle. The sun
peeped out from behind the clouds, birds from all around flocked.
And then, out of nowhere, the Maid-Beauty appeared, with a red ribbon in her
braid.
— What happened, — she says, — Maryushka, are you upset? Why are you crying

out your eyes?
— I’m lonely without my father, — answered Maryushka.
— Do not grieve, beauty! I flew around the world like a waxwing bird. I saw your
father. I’ll tell you everything about the overseas countries and about his adventures.
The girl’s heart calmed down. From outlandish stories about unprecedented
countries, the soul itself soars into the sky. And all the hardships were forgotten.

So it was customary with them to meet every evening and share news and joys. And
the days passed, but only Maryushka did not notice, because with her dear friend, life
was easier and joyful than ever.
On the day of his father’s return, they met for the last time with her friend. And she
says to Maryushka:
— If you want to have a conversation with someone, put the waxwing next to it, and
your friendship will start
She said so, turned into a bird and fluttered out the window. And then there was

such a feast that they still remember. And they began to live and live and make good.
And Maryushka kept that waxwing more than gold.

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