In a small village called Horseville lived cheerful and kind little animals: Rosie the pig, Tyapa the dog, Zorka the cow, Be-Be the sheep, and others. And the leader there was a horse named Vyuga. Vyuga was quite old and knew many wonderful stories about everything in the world.
One snowy winter evening, all the animals gathered at Zorka's place. They drank herbal tea with warm oat biscuits and chatted enthusiastically. Tyapa told about a lost treasure—a bone she had hidden in the forest but couldn't find. Be-Be shared a secret dream: she wanted to ride on a white fluffy cloud, since she looked so much like one… Only old Vyuga remained silent.
Vyuga, — Rosie the pig turned to her, — tell us an interesting story, after all you know so much!
A story? Hmm… What would you like to know about? — the horse asked slowly.
Well, for example, something unusual about our little village! — exclaimed Zorka.
Very well. Pour yourselves more tea and listen, — Vyuga began her tale. — Long, long ago, when I was very small, a big bear attacked our village. He was angry, hungry, and very strong. He bullied the small ones, broke houses, and took food for himself. Chickens, ducks, piglets, cows, horses – everyone hid from him deep in the forest. The village became empty.
The poor little animals had nowhere to live. The nights became colder and colder. Winter was approaching. The animals held a council to decide what to do next, how to live, and how to drive the bear out of the village. They lit a fire and thought and wondered all night long.
And in the early morning, a beautiful black horse came upon that fire. This was my grandfather. He was returning to our village from service: as a foal he had been given to a soldier. For many years he travelled the world with that soldier, saw much and heard much.
Grandfather listened to what the animals were complaining about and offered to drive the bear away. But first he suggested building a den for the bear in the forest, so he wouldn't think about robbing other people's homes or bullying the small ones anymore.
But why did the black horse decide to build a house for the bear? After all, the bear acted so cruelly! — protested Zorka the cow.
Life is given for good deeds, — Vyuga continued, — my grandfather was very wise. He always said: "Sow goodness and you will reap goodness". So… After the animals built a den in the forest, the horse went to the village and found the bear. The bear looked tired: he was looking for a place for a long winter's hibernation.
Grandfather stamped his hooves on the ground, and the earth trembled. The bear was frightened, but didn't want to leave the village. Otherwise, where would he sleep? "You have no place here, wild one, among domestic animals. We've built you a den in the forest. Go live there. After you rest, you can look after the forest, but don't touch the village!" said the horse.
The bear was surprised by such kindness. He felt ashamed of his bad deeds. He asked the animals for forgiveness and went to his new home. Since then, bears have lived in dens.
And our village the animals named Horseville. In honour of my grandfather!
Your grandfather did the right thing! — supported Be-Be the sheep. — Why get angry when it's better to make peace and live calmly and happily!
You told an interesting story, — said Zorka the cow, — time flies quickly with good conversation. The sun has set, it's time to sleep.
Good night, friends!
