Russian Folktales and Proverbs

When I was a child my grandmother and my parents usually read and told me Russian folktales. I was extremely excited and listened to them with great attention. I used to imagine clever and brave characters and their risky adventures. I suffered with them and worried about them when they were in trouble.I was very happy when the story had a happy end.

But my favourite tale is Masha and the Bear. It is a wonderful story about a small girl who could outwit the Bear. The girl is small but very clever. The Bear is big and strong,but not as clever as the girl. So Masha,who lost her way home in the forest and met the Bear,could get home to her grandparents. All is well that ends well!

When I began going to school I read Russian folktales on my own. And I discovered the fantastic world of Russian proverbs and sayings. They help me to be friendly to my classmates, to help and respect old people, to overcome difficulties. I just want to give some examples of Russian proverbs. I think they describe Russian character better than anything else.

Since my childhood I remember a lot of tales, such as The Round Little Bun, The Turnip, The Fox and the Crane, Aloynushka, The Frog Princess, The Little House, Ilya Murometz and others. To every tale there is a Russian proverb.

The Round Little Bun Little pigeons can carry great messages.

The Turnip A drop hollows out a stone. Nothing seek, nothing find.

The Fox and the Crane He that mischief hatches mischief catches.

Aloynushka A friend in need is a friend indeed. It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

The Frog Princess Love conquers all.

The Little House Look before you leap.

Ilya Murometz Fortune favours the brave.

In conclusion: No gain without pain. The pen is mightier than the sword. My presentation is worth a thousand words.

Made by Igor Smirnov,form 5 B, school 489