--- title: Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 5 — Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Musc… · full text with trees description: Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 5, «Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore»: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: "Do me a service, and I will show thee a place where the fish swarm." --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collecti…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/) / Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 5 # Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 5 Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 5 of «Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore»: the whole text, 180 sentences and 2584 words. Every sentence has its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/page/2/) - [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/1/) — "Do me a service, and I will show thee a place where the fish swarm." - [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/2/) — "What is the service?" - [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/3/) — "When thou art in Novgorod, thou wilt meet a tall, big moujik in a plaited blue caftan, wide blue trowsers, and a high blue hat. - [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/4/) — Say to him, 'Uncle Ilmen! the Chorny has sent thee a petition, and has told me to say that a mill has been set in his way. - [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/5/) — As thou may'st think fit to order, so shall it be!'" - [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/6/) — The Novgorod man promised to fulfil this request, and the black stranger showed him a place where the fish swarmed by thousands. - [7](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/7/) — With rich booty did the fisherman return to Novgorod, where he met the moujik with the blue caftan, and gave him the petition. - [8](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/8/) — The Ilmen answered:-- - [9](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/9/) — "Give my compliments to the brook Chorny, and say to him about the mill: there used not to be one, and so there shall not be one!" - [10](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/10/) — This commission also the Novgorod man fulfilled, and behold! during the night the brook Chorny ran riotous, Lake Ilmen waxed boisterous, a tempest arose, and the raging waters swept away the mill. - [11](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/11/) — \[274\] - [12](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/12/) — In old times sacrifices were regularly paid to lakes and streams in Russia, just as they were in Germany\[275\] and in other lands. - [13](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/13/) — And even at the present day the common people are in the habit of expressing, by some kind of offering, their thanks to a river on which they have made a prosperous voyage. - [14](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/14/) — It is said that Stenka Razin, the insurgent chief of the Don Cossacks in the seventeenth century, once offered a human sacrifice to the Volga. - [15](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/15/) — Among his captives was a Persian princess, to whom he was warmly attached. - [16](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/16/) — But one day "when he was fevered with wine, as he sat at the ship's side and musingly regarded the waves, he said: 'Oh, Mother Volga, thou great river! much hast thou given me of gold and of silver, and of all good things; thou hast nursed me, and nourished me, and covered me with glory and honor. - [17](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/17/) — But I have in no way shown thee my gratitude. - [18](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/18/) — Here is somewhat for thee; take it!' - [19](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/19/) — And with these words he caught up the princess and flung her into the water." - [20](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/20/) — \[276\] - [21](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/21/) — Just as rivers might be conciliated by honor and sacrifice, so they could be irritated by disrespect. - [22](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/22/) — One of the old songs tells how a youth comes riding to the Smorodina, and beseeches that stream to show him a ford. - [23](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/23/) — His prayer is granted, and he crosses to the other side. - [24](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/24/) — Then he takes to boasting, and says, "People talk about the Smorodina, saying that no one can cross it whether on foot or on horseback--but it is no better than a pool of rain-water!" - [25](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/25/) — But when the time comes for him to cross back again, the river takes its revenge, and drowns him in its depths, saying the while: "It is not I, but thy own boasting that drowns thee." - [26](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/26/) — From these vocal rivers we will now turn to that elementary force by which in winter they are often rendered mute. - [27](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/27/) — In the story which is now about to be quoted will be found a striking personification of Frost. - [28](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/28/) — As a general rule, Winter plays by no means so important a part as might have been expected in Northern tales. - [29](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/29/) — As in other European countries, so in Russia, the romantic stories of the people are full of pictures bathed in warm sunlight, but they do not often represent the aspect of the land when the sky is grey, and the earth is a sheet of white, and outdoor life is sombre and still. - [30](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/30/) — Here and there, it is true, glimpses of snowy landscapes are offered by the skazkas. - [31](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/31/) — But it is seldom that a wintry effect is so deliberately produced in them as is the case in the following remarkable version of a well-known tale. - [32](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/32/) — FROST. - [33](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/33/) — \[277\] - [34](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/34/) — There was once an old man who had a wife and three daughters. - [35](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/35/) — The wife had no love for the eldest of the three, who was her stepdaughter, but was always scolding her. - [36](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/36/) — Moreover, she used to make her get up ever so early in the morning, and gave her all the work of the house to do. - [37](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/37/) — Before daybreak the girl would feed the cattle and give them to drink, fetch wood and water indoors, light the fire in the stove, give the room a wash, mend the dresses, and set everything in order. - [38](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/38/) — Even then her stepmother was never satisfied, but would grumble away at Marfa, exclaiming:-- - [39](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/39/) — "What a lazybones! what a slut! - [40](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/40/) — Why here's a brush not in its place, and there's something put wrong, and she's left the muck inside the house!" - [41](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/41/) — The girl held her peace, and wept; she tried in every way to accommodate herself to her stepmother, and to be of service to her stepsisters. - [42](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/42/) — But they, taking pattern by their mother, were always insulting Marfa, quarrelling with her, and making her cry: that was even a pleasure to them! - [43](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/43/) — As for them, they lay in bed late, washed themselves in water got ready for them, dried themselves with a clean towel, and didn't sit down to work till after dinner. - [44](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/44/) — Well, our girls grew and grew, until they grew up and were old enough to be married. - [45](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/45/) — The old man felt sorry for his eldest daughter, whom he loved because she was industrious and obedient, never was obstinate, always did as she was bid, and never uttered a word of contradiction. - [46](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/46/) — But he didn't know how he was to help her in her trouble. - [47](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/47/) — He was feeble, his wife was a scold, and her daughters were as obstinate as they were indolent. - [48](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/48/) — Well, the old folks set to work to consider--the husband how he could get his daughters settled, the wife how she could get rid of the eldest one. - [49](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/49/) — One day she says to him:-- - [50](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/50/) — "I say, old man! let's get Marfa married." - [51](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/51/) — "Gladly," says he, slinking off (to the sleeping-place) above the stove. - [52](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/52/) — But his wife called after him:-- - [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/53/) — "Get up early to-morrow, old man, harness the mare to the sledge, and drive away with Marfa. - [54](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/54/) — And, Marfa, get your things together in a basket, and put on a clean shift; you're going away to-morrow on a visit." - [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/55/) — Poor Marfa was delighted to hear of such a piece of good luck as being invited on a visit, and she slept comfortably all night. - [56](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/56/) — Early next morning she got up, washed herself, prayed to God, got all her things together, packed them away in proper order, dressed herself (in her best things), and looked something like a lass!--a bride fit for any place whatsoever! - [57](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/57/) — Now it was winter time, and out of doors was a rattling frost. - [58](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/58/) — Early in the morning, between daybreak and sunrise, the old man harnessed the mare to the sledge, and led it up to the steps. - [59](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/59/) — Then he went indoors, sat down on the window-sill, and said:-- - [60](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/60/) — "Now then! - [61](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/61/) — I've got everything ready." - [62](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/62/) — "Sit down to table and swallow your victuals!" replied the old woman. - [63](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/63/) — The old man sat down to table, and made his daughter sit by his side. - [64](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/64/) — On the table stood a pannier; he took out a loaf,\[278\] and cut bread for himself and his daughter. - [65](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/65/) — Meantime his wife served up a dish of old cabbage soup, and said:-- - [66](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/66/) — "There, my pigeon, eat and be off; I've looked at you quite enough! - [67](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/67/) — Drive Marfa to her bridegroom, old man. - [68](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/68/) — And look here, old greybeard! drive straight along the road at first, and then turn off from the road to the right, you know, into the forest--right up to the big pine that stands on the hill, and there hand Marfa over to Morozko (Frost)." - [69](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/69/) — The old man opened his eyes wide, also his mouth, and stopped eating, and the girl began lamenting. - [70](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/70/) — "Now then, what are you hanging your chaps and squealing about?" said her stepmother. " - [71](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/71/) — Surely your bridegroom is a beauty, and he's that rich! - [72](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/72/) — Why, just see what a lot of things belong to him, the firs, the pine-tops, and the birches, all in their robes of down--ways and means that any one might envy; and he himself a \_bogatir\_!" - [73](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/73/) — \[279\] - [74](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/74/) — The old man silently placed the things on the sledge, made his daughter put on a warm pelisse, and set off on the journey. - [75](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/75/) — After a time, he reached the forest, turned off from the road; and drove across the frozen snow. - [76](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/76/) — \[280\] When he got into the depths of the forest, he stopped, made his daughter get out, laid her basket under the tall pine, and said:-- - [77](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/77/) — "Sit here, and await the bridegroom. - [78](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/78/) — And mind you receive him as pleasantly as you can." - [79](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/79/) — Then he turned his horse round and drove off homewards. - [80](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/80/) — The girl sat and shivered. - [81](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/81/) — The cold had pierced her through. - [82](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/82/) — She would fain have cried aloud, but she had not strength enough; only her teeth chattered. - [83](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/83/) — Suddenly she heard a sound. - [84](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/84/) — Not far off, Frost was cracking away on a fir. - [85](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/85/) — From fir to fir was he leaping, and snapping his fingers. - [86](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/86/) — Presently he appeared on that very pine under which the maiden was sitting and from above her head he cried:-- - [87](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/87/) — "Art thou warm, maiden?" - [88](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/88/) — "Warm, warm am I, dear Father Frost," she replied. - [89](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/89/) — Frost began to descend lower, all the more cracking and snapping his fingers. - [90](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/90/) — To the maiden said Frost:-- - [91](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/91/) — "Art thou warm, maiden? - [92](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/92/) — Art thou warm, fair one?" - [93](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/93/) — The girl could scarcely draw her breath, but still she replied: - [94](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/94/) — "Warm am I, Frost dear: warm am I, father dear!" - [95](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/95/) — Frost began cracking more than ever, and more loudly did he snap his fingers, and to the maiden he said:-- - [96](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/96/) — "Art thou warm, maiden? - [97](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/97/) — Art thou warm, pretty one? - [98](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/98/) — Art thou warm, my darling?" - [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/99/) — The girl was by this time numb with cold, and she could scarcely make herself heard as she replied:-- - [100](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/100/) — "Oh! quite warm, Frost dearest!" **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/39/page/2/) - ← previous: [Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/38/) - next →: [Chapter III. MYTHOLOGICAL, part 6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/40/) - ↑ back to [Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg22373/)