In a large family there once lived a Kolobok. His name was Kruglash. He had no friends and lived by himself.
His favourite pastime was wandering through the enchanted forest, although he was afraid of everything there.
One day, whilst enjoying nature and the fresh air, he didn't notice a little fox creeping very close to him, wanting to eat him. There was no one to complain to, as Kruglash received hardly any attention from his family.
As evening approached, Kolobok, running away from the fox, wandered into a thick, dense forest. The forest was almost asleep, with only the hooting of a night owl breaking the silence.
Kruglash was so frightened that he pressed himself against a birch tree trunk and, exhausted, fell fast asleep right there in the forest.
In the morning, he was woken by some cheerful voices. Trembling with fear, he struggled to open his eyes and saw three pairs of curious eyes. Three hare brothers were examining Kolobok.
How on earth did you end up here?
Asked the bravest little hare.
I've got lost again.
Kolobok replied, almost in tears.
Let's get to know each other. What's your name?
Asked one of the little hares.
I'm Kolobok Kruglash, and what should I call you?
We're brother hares: Goodfellow, Smokey and Dick.
The three replied almost in unison.
And what are you doing here?
Kolobok asked, looking carefully at each fluffy creature.
The forest is our home, we live here!
And aren't you frightened at all?
Kolobok continued to ask in amazement.
Not frightened at all, we change our coats to make it easier to hide from the wolf.
Smokey said quietly but confidently.
We're inviting you to visit us, to our warm little house. You can warm up, and we'll have tea with biscuits and sweets.
Offered Goodfellow.
You're shaking with cold, and it's certainly not summer outside.
At that very moment, a strong wind picked up, and a blizzard was approaching.
Come on, let's hurry after us.
Shouted one of the brothers and ran towards their home.
Kruglash didn't hesitate and followed them.
The hares lit a fireplace, set the table and poured tea.
They sat together, chatting pleasantly and naturally.
Kolobok noticed a beautiful but rather mysterious cupboard standing against the wall.
The cupboard doors were decorated with intricate carved patterns. Whoever made these patterns was a true master of their craft.
Kruglash was overcome with curiosity and asked:
What is this cupboard? It's so beautiful and unusual!
All in good time, you'll find out soon.
Dick answered mysteriously.
Suddenly, the clock chimed loudly and clearly.
Kruglash asked alertly:
What are these sounds? What is it?
Come on.
With a sly smile, the three brothers headed towards the cupboard door.
Kolobok had no choice but to follow them. A bright light struck his eyes.
Kruglash froze in amazement: before him was a forest, but completely unlike the one he had come from.
The trees were all covered in white fluffy snow, and each little fir tree twinkled with beautiful coloured lights. The animals were chatting peacefully with each other.
Seeing his new friends, Kolobok decided to approach and thank the hares for the fairy tale he had found himself in.
But he lost sight of them again, they disappeared into the crowd.
Watching the enchanted forest and the little creatures, Kolobok noticed an old man. He was wearing a red coat and hat, and in his hand he held an enormous silver staff.
The top of the staff sparkled with the same lights as the trees. He recognised this old man, it was Father Christmas himself.
He had never seen him before, but he remembered him well from fairy tales.
Oh, Father Christmas.
Kruglash approached him joyfully and at the same time a little frightened.
Tell me your wish, Kolobok.
Said the old man confidently.
I have only one wish: I want to never be afraid of anything ever again.
Kruglash asked sincerely.
As you wish, from now on you will be the Fearless Kolobok.
Said Father Christmas and struck his staff several times.
In that very instant, Kolobok's eyes grew heavy, he felt so sleepy that he fell asleep right there on the meadow.
Kruglash woke up in his warm, cosy bed at home.
He was so upset, realising that it had all just been a dream.
After breakfast, Kolobok went outside, expecting to be teased again.
But what his friends said surprised him, he hadn't expected to hear:
Look, the Fearless Kolobok is coming.
The animals whispered quietly to each other.
Kruglash came closer and asked:
Am I the Fearless one?
Kolobok asked himself more than anyone else.
Well yes, it was you who wasn't afraid and ventured into the dark forest, from which no one had ever returned!
The Fearless Kolobok just smiled in reply.
«But this isn't a dream at all!» thought Kruglash and went off to play snowball fights with his friends.
From that time on, no one teased the Fearless Kolobok, and he himself was afraid of nothing and no one!
