The Beginning, or Why the Little Bear Decided to Go on a Journey
In a lovely, cosy, little town there lived a young wizard named Bromir. He happily helped everyone and was a friend to every resident.
One day he would help build a house for a family who had recently moved to town, since they didn't have a home of their own yet and it needed to be put up quickly. Another day he would help a chimney sweep, tired after work, with the last chimney of his shift. And another time he would search for a lost doll for a little girl.
The wizard never refused anyone simple human help. The only thing was, he could never manage to perform some kind of miracle and help people with his magical gift.
Bromir grieved deeply, so much so that he himself stopped believing in magic. He was like a bird that had known the beauty of flight but had lost the ability to fly.
Day after day he tirelessly tried to do something special, to regain the gift he was born with. But nothing worked. He could not bring beautiful flowers for a holiday, or a breeze to lift the kites into the sky. He blamed himself more and more and decided he was not worthy of being called a wizard.
In his simple cosy cottage there was always food for those who were hungry, help for those who sought it, and shelter for those with nowhere to go. But there was no joy or happiness in it, for a wizard could not rejoice when he could not manage even the smallest bit of magic. The sun peeked into the house less and less, and then winter arrived.
In Bromir's house there was one especially treasured item: a teddy bear named Toptyzhka, a gift from his mum, which he kept with great care. The bear, sitting on his cosy shelf, watched the wizard. He remembered him as a little boy, and now he had grown into a kind and honest adult. The bear had known him to be cheerful and happy, and also sad, as he was now, no longer believing that he could ever again give people miracles.
Toptyzhka knew how much his friend's heart ached because of the betrayal of those who had been close only for as long as help was needed. But Bromir's soul never stopped being pure and open, and it still saw only the best in everything.
The bear loved this wonderful quality of the wizard's soul. He loved how Bromir rejoiced when he had managed to help someone, knowing that the day had not been lived in vain.
Now Toptyzhka especially wanted to help his despairing friend and see his smile again, bright as the sun. But what could he, a teddy bear, do? The clumsy bear thought for a long time, but nothing came to mind.
Suddenly the bear heard familiar footsteps: Bromir had come home. The wizard sat in his armchair, wrapped himself in a blanket, and, looking out the window, said:
You know, my friend Toptyzhka, sometimes I think you understand everything. You even understand what troubles me better than many people do. But you can't talk, so you can't give me any advice... It's gotten chilly outside, and so much snow has fallen, it's a real snowy fairy tale! But why talk about it? Now I'll show you!
The wizard threw off the blanket, stood up, and, taking the bear from the shelf, held him up to the window so he could admire the snowy scenery of nature.
Look, little one! Isn't our town beautiful in winter, covered in a white blanket of snow! Over there, in the distance, you can see the forest, sleeping under its snowy cover until spring. Believe me, it's very lovely. And beyond the forest is the sea... Perhaps somewhere out there is something that could help me work a miracle. After all, a miracle is within reach of every wizard, but not for me... Well, my friend, we have no time for travelling. There's plenty to do here, but I'll tell you this: travelling is wonderful!
Bromir sighed sadly, set the bear back on the shelf, poured himself a cup of fragrant tea, drank it standing by the window, watched the sunset, lay down on his favourite sofa and fell asleep.
The bear watched the sleeping wizard and remembered how Bromir used to push him on the swing, read him stories about journeys, brave knights and kind wizards, when he was still a little boy. How he loved to sit with him in the meadow, watching the clouds. The wizard had delighted in nature then, hearing in its breath a special music that changed with the weather and the seasons.
Bromir felt keenly how important it was to protect every flower, how precious every birdsong was, how magical the music of the water in the babbling brook by the house was. And suddenly the bear understood how to help his friend!
I, Toptyzhka, will set off on a journey and find what will help Bromir perform miracles again, as wizards should, especially such kind and honest ones! It's decided! I will be brave and once again give my friend the joy that a miracle performed for someone brings.
The little bear carefully climbed down from the shelf, looked once more at the sleeping wizard, who was surely dreaming something pleasant, touched his hand with his tiny paw and, quietly opening the door, stepped out over the threshold.
The first rays of the sun had just appeared on the horizon. How beautiful! The snow sparkled at dawn and the frost nipped at his nose. Before the bear opened an enormous, wonderful and at the same time frightening world full of unknowns, one he had never known while sitting on his cosy shelf. Now he had to face this world in order to find what would help his friend believe in miracles once again.
It was frightening for the little bear to set off on a journey. He did not know what he was looking for, but he very much needed to help the wizard. Toptyzhka jumped into the sledge of the forester, who went around the forest every morning checking that all was well with its inhabitants.
The forester came out of his house, brought out the horse, harnessed it to the sledge and, settling in comfortably, set off, unaware of the little passenger riding along with him.
The journey was short, and the bear found himself in the snowy winter forest. As soon as the forester stopped the sledge, the little bear carefully climbed out and continued on foot. He had to hurry, every minute counted!
The Teddy Bear's Journey Through the Winter Forest
It was cold for the little plush paws to make their way through the forest. They kept sinking into the snow, but he had to keep moving forward, and the bear went on.
He walked for a long time, watching carefully all around, hoping that what he was looking for might be hidden somewhere in the forest. But he found nothing, and tired out, the bear sat down by a tree. Suddenly a little hare jumped out beside him. He stared intently at the bear.
Hello! I'm Fluffy! You must be a relative of Uncle Bear. Come on, I'll take you to his den. It's strange, though: I thought all bears slept in winter, not visiting each other...
The bear smiled and said:
Hello, Fluffy! I'm not related to Uncle Bear at all. I'm just a teddy bear named Toptyzhka, which is why I'm not sleeping.
So what are you doing in the forest, and how can I help you? asked Fluffy.
The bear scratched his plush head with a paw and began his story:
I don't know how you could help me, but I set off into the forest to rescue my friend, a kind wizard. I was given to him when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. Do you know how many people he has helped with his own hands! But for a long time now he has not been able to work any magic, and it upsets him terribly. He has stopped believing in magic and thinks he can no longer be called a wizard. So I set off on a journey to find what will help him believe in himself again and give him back the ability to perform miracles. This forest is not far from our home, which is why I started my journey here. Is there anything in your forest that I'm looking for?
Fluffy stroked his ear with a paw. He had seen nothing of the sort, but he very much wanted to help the bear.
I haven't seen what you're looking for, but Grandpa Owl knows everything and is sure to be able to help you. Come on, I'll take you to him!
The way was long, but with Fluffy the bear was not scared, and the journey seemed more cheerful. At last the bear and Fluffy reached an old oak where Grandpa Owl lived. Fluffy called out:
Hello, Grandpa Owl! We really need your advice!
In that very instant an owl appeared on a branch, looked carefully at the guests and said:
Hello there! Well, if you need advice, I'll gladly help you in any way I can.
The bear was very pleased and decided to tell quickly about what was troubling him.
Grandpa Owl thought deeply. He really did know everything, but he did not know how to help the bear. There was nothing like that in the forest.
You won't find it here, no matter how hard you look. You've been given a difficult task, but your desire to help your friend will point you to what you are looking for. I once heard from my own grandfather that there is something special in the sea beyond our forest. Go there. Fluffy will take you to Whitetail the deer, and he will carry you to the shore, since the journey on your little paws would be very long. As for me, I'll give you a pine cone so that you won't forget our forest. Here, take it.
The bear picked up the cone and held it tightly in his plush paws. This was certainly not what he had been looking for, but it was a very precious gift. The little traveller firmly knew he would go on, and he was grateful for the help of Fluffy and Grandpa Owl.
Thank you, Grandpa Owl, for your advice. We must be going. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Toptyzhka, brave little traveller! You have taught us forest folk so much. We will not forget your courage, may your path be kind and what you are looking for be found without fail! said the old owl as they parted.
Fluffy and the bear quickly reached Whitetail.
Hello, Fluffy! Glad to see you! What brings you to me?
Hello, Whitetail! The teddy bear Toptyzhka needs help. He must help someone dear to him as quickly as possible. He is heading for the sea, but on his little paws it would take him a very long time to get there. Could you carry him? said the hare.
Of course, I'll gladly help! Toptyzhka, climb onto my back and hold on tight, replied Whitetail, lowering himself into the snow so the bear could climb on more easily.
Thank you, Fluffy, goodbye! I won't forget you or your help, said the bear, saying farewell to the hare.
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! Good luck on your way, and may you find what you are looking for, replied Fluffy.
Whitetail rose and carried the bear towards the sea, where the little plush traveller would try to find what would return to the wizard his faith in miracles. The little deer swiftly brought the bear to the sea. The bear climbed down from the deer's back.
Thank you, Whitetail, for bringing me so quickly. I won't forget your help. I must hurry, there's no time to waste. Goodbye!
Safe travels, brave little bear Toptyzhka, and may you find what you are looking for, said Whitetail as they parted.
Approaching the water, the bear saw a boat, and climbing into it, fell asleep, for he was very tired after the day and there were many adventures and meetings still ahead. The bear slept, and he dreamed that he had returned home, and Bromir, as in their distant childhood, was smiling at him, having performed a miracle for the whole town, gifting all its residents with wonderful flowers never seen before, blooming in every flowerbed.
The Teddy Bear's Journey Across the Open Sea
Morning came, and the sound of the waves woke the bear. The little traveller looked around. While he slept, a fisherman had come and sailed off in his boat out to sea.
The sea was incredibly beautiful and calm. It gently rocked the boat. The bear was frightened, drifting further and further from home. But he had not yet found what could help the wizard believe in miracles again, and so there was no turning back, only forward.
The sea was lovely. In winter it was different, of course, as was all of nature, but its waves had a special music and a special charm.
The bear remembered the wizard again, who had loved to watch nature. He would have liked the view that opened before the bear's eyes. He had to be brave and search more diligently for what would help his friend. And the new page of the journey that opened with the dawn must not be wasted.
Gazing out at the sea, the little traveller could not make out anything special. Suddenly a seal surfaced on the water. The bear watched him closely, and the seal, noticing this, swam up to the boat.
Hello, I'm Zippy! And who are you? What brings you to our cold northern sea?
Hello, Zippy! I'm the teddy bear Toptyzhka. I set out to sea to help a friend, a kind wizard. I was given to him when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. Do you know how many people he has helped! But for a long time now he has not been able to work any magic, and it upsets him terribly. He believes he is no longer worthy of being called a wizard. So I set off on a journey to find what will give him back the ability to perform miracles. I began my journey in the forest, but there was nothing there that I'm looking for. Grandpa Owl said that there is something special in the sea. And so here I am. Is there anything in your sea that I'm looking for, to help someone dear to me? replied the bear to the seal.
Zippy scratched his head.
I don't know of anything special in our sea, and I certainly haven't seen anything like what you're looking for. I'll take you to Uncle Whale. He is the wisest here and is sure to be able to help you. Climb on my back, and we'll swim to him.
The bear moved from the boat onto Zippy's back, and they set off to find Uncle Whale. The journey was short, and Zippy easily found the huge whale, drifting slowly in search of interesting news.
Hello, Uncle Whale! We really need your help, your wise advice!
Uncle Whale was glad to see Zippy, and he loved giving advice whenever he was asked. For if someone asks for advice, it means you can help, and helping is what is needed.
Hello! If you need advice, speak up and tell me what's the matter. I'll help you in any way I can.
The bear was very glad that Uncle Whale had agreed to help, and he decided to tell quickly about what was troubling him.
The wise whale thought for a long time about Toptyzhka's story and at last said:
You've been given a difficult task, Toptyzhka. What you are looking for cannot be found in the sea, no matter how hard you try. But we do have northern pearls! Zippy, seat the bear on my back and bring him a special pearl as a gift, one that can only be found here. In warm seas the pearls are different... Afterwards I'll take Toptyzhka to the shore. Let him head for the mountains, where he may find what he is looking for.
Zippy set the bear on Uncle Whale's back, and diving, in an instant surfaced again, holding in his flippers something incredibly beautiful.
Here is a pearl for you, Toptyzhka, so that you won't forget your journey to us. I'm sorry we have nothing else for you, but I was glad to help such a brave little one. I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. Goodbye, Toptyzhka, may your path be kind!
Goodbye, Zippy! Thank you for everything. I won't forget your help! said the bear as they parted.
Uncle Whale quickly carried the bear to a rocky shore. Setting the little traveller down, he said:
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! You have taught us sea folk so much, brave little traveller. We will not forget your kindness, and may your path be good. Be sure to find what you are looking for!
Thank you for your advice, your help and your gift, Uncle Whale. I won't forget your kindness. Goodbye! said the bear to the whale as it swam away.
The bear looked around: before him rose high mountains. It was frightening for the little plush bear to go further, but he had to continue his journey.
He had found nothing special in the forest or the sea, and so he had to be brave and keep going. The bear set off along the mountain path, looking around so as not to miss, by chance, what he was looking for.
He did not know what encounters and wonderful landscapes awaited him ahead. But he remembered Bromir. How he would have loved the mountains! If only he could return to the wizard and see him happy, believing in miracles, as such a kind person should. And the bear walked faster.
The Teddy Bear's Journey in the Mountains
It was hard for the little plush bear in the mountains in winter. The snow was beautiful, but on the peaks there was even more of it than in the forest, which made it hard for his little paws to walk. The wind was much stronger and colder.
The bear was completely exhausted. He sat down, leaning his back against the mountain, and began to think how he could find here what would help his friend. He could not even imagine what it might be. Suddenly, right in front of him, he saw a little kid goat. The kid goat studied him carefully.
Hello, I'm Yasha the kid goat. But I'm no ordinary kid goat, I'm a mountain goat. I've never met you before in our mountains. Who are you? What brings you here?
Hello, Yasha, I'm the teddy bear Toptyzhka! I set out to the mountains to help a friend, a kind wizard. I was given to him when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. Do you know how many people he helps with his own hands? But now he can't work any magic, and it upsets him terribly. He has stopped believing in miracles and thinks he can no longer be called a wizard. So I set off on a journey to find what will give him back the ability to perform miracles. I began my journey in the forest, but there was nothing there I was looking for, and Grandpa Owl said there was something special in the sea. I went to the sea, but found nothing there either. Then Uncle Whale advised me to look for what would help the wizard regain his faith in miracles in the mountains... Is there anything here that I'm looking for, Yasha? replied the bear to the kid goat.
The kid goat thought. He had seen nothing of the sort in the mountains, but he very much wanted to help the bear.
I haven't seen what you're looking for, but wise Grandpa Snow Leopard knows everything and is sure to be able to help you. Climb on my back, and I'll take you to him.
The way was short, for Yasha moved easily across the mountains, as a mountain kid goat should, and they quickly reached the cave of old Snow Leopard. Yasha called out:
Hello, Grandpa Snow Leopard! We really need your advice!
In that very instant Snow Leopard came out of the cave, large and wearing a beautiful fur coat. Looking carefully at the guests, he said:
Hello there! Well, if you need advice, I'll gladly help you in any way I can. Tell me what the matter is.
The bear was very glad that wise Grandpa Snow Leopard had agreed to help him, and he decided to tell quickly about what was troubling him.
Grandpa Snow Leopard listened to Toptyzhka and fell silent. He really did know everything in the mountains, but he did not know how to help the bear.
You won't find it here, no matter how hard you look. You've been given a difficult task, Toptyzhka, but your wish to help your friend is commendable. Climb onto my back, and I'll take you to my old friend, the eagle Swiftwing. Perhaps he can help you. And Yasha should head home to his mum, she's surely worried already...
Yasha went up to the bear and lowered his muzzle, and the bear, stroking him with a plush paw, said:
Goodbye, Yasha! Thank you for not leaving me alone in the mountains. I won't forget your help and kindness.
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! May your path be kind and may you certainly find what you are looking for, said Yasha as they parted.
The bear climbed onto Grandpa Snow Leopard's back and continued the journey. In no time they reached Swiftwing, who lived on the mountaintop. Swiftwing, noticing his friend, came over to the travellers.
Hello, my friend! And hello to you, little bear! What brings you to me?
Hello, Swiftwing! The teddy bear Toptyzhka urgently needs to help his friend, a wizard, as quickly as possible. The wizard has lost his faith in miracles, and the bear decided to find what would help him. He began his journey in the forest, but there was nothing there. Grandpa Owl told him there was something special in the sea. The bear went to the sea, but found nothing there either. Uncle Whale advised him to go to the mountains, but there is nothing like that in our mountains... You fly all over the world and know everything. Perhaps you can tell me where to look for what will help the wizard?
The eagle pondered.
I've flown all over the world and never seen anything like that. You won't find what you are looking for, little one, anywhere in the whole world. I know you, Toptyzhka, and the wizard too. I saw him this morning. Having lost you, the wizard became even more upset, and it seems to me you should finish your journey and go home. I'll carry you straight to your house, brave little traveller, climb onto my back.
The bear was very upset that he would not find what could return the wizard's faith in miracles. There was nothing in the whole wide world that could help his friend.
Well, since I couldn't help my friend, I mustn't upset him any more. It's time to go home. Thank you, Grandpa Snow Leopard, I won't forget your kindness and your help. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! You have taught us mountain folk so much, brave little traveller. We too will not forget your kindness, and may your path be kind! said Grandpa Snow Leopard as the bear parted from him.
The bear climbed onto the eagle's back, and Swiftwing took off. They flew so high that people, trees and houses looked tiny. Oh, how beautiful the earth was in winter from the height of the eagle's flight! The bear's breath was taken away by this beauty.
Soon the familiar little brook came into view, and the eagle landed in the clearing by the wizard's house. The bear smiled warmly at Swiftwing.
Thank you, Swiftwing, for bringing me home. I won't forget your help! Goodbye!
I was glad to help, brave little Toptyzhka, and though you did not find what you were searching for, we have learned a great deal from you. You are a true friend, ready for a difficult journey for the sake of someone dear. Goodbye! Don't be sad, everything will be all right! And as a farewell, I give you my feather, so that you won't forget the mountains, said Swiftwing, holding out a feather in his beak.
The eagle flew off, and the bear climbed onto the bench by the house and sat thinking. He had not found what could return the wizard's faith in miracles and make him happy again.
The bear sat on the bench, tired after the long journey, and looked at the pine cone, the pearl and the feather he had been given. He was glad when he remembered the kindness of Grandpa Owl and Fluffy, Zippy and Uncle Whale, Swiftwing and Grandpa Snow Leopard, but at the same time he was sad because he had not been able to help the wizard.
And also because his friend would not know that the bear had tried to help, what a journey he had made trying to bring back the smile he had not seen for so long and so wanted to see again.
Returning Home, or The End of the Journey
The bear sat on the bench by the house and did not dare to go in. Suddenly the door opened, and Toptyzhka saw Bromir. How he had missed him! The wizard, noticing his little bear, joyfully scooped him up in his arms.
I'm so glad to see you, Toptyzhka! I had already decided I had lost you for good! Where have you been, little one? What's that interesting thing next to you on the bench?
The wizard set the bear down on the bench and picked up the pine cone. As soon as the cone was in Bromir's hands, he saw the journey of his little plush friend through the forest, as clearly as if he had been there himself.
He set the cone back on the bench and picked up the pearl. There opened before his eyes the bear's journey across the open sea.
Bromir took the feather, and the feather revealed to him Toptyzhka's adventures in the mountains. He set the feather back in its place as well.
His eyes filled with tears, he saw so clearly everything that had happened to the bear. He took Toptyzhka in his arms and looked into his button eyes, stroking his plush back tenderly.
My brave, little Toptyzhka! How you wanted to help me find what would return my faith in miracles and the ability to perform wonders once more. And here it is, what you were searching for and could not find anywhere in the whole world. This is your journey, my brave plush friend! Is it not a miracle that you resolved to do such a thing! With the help of the gifts from the folk of the forest, the sea and the mountains, I saw your path as clearly as if I had been with you! Now I believe in miracles again and I want to try to work some magic for someone! Thank you, Toptyzhka, you are a true friend! Let's go inside, we'll put your gifts in the casket and give you a bath, for your plush coat has got dirty...
The wizard came into the house with the bear in his arms, laid him on his favourite sofa, filled a basin with warm water, fetched fragrant soap and, taking Toptyzhka from the sofa, sat him in the prepared bath.
The plush paws were tickled as the wizard rubbed them with a washcloth. His nose was surrounded by very fragrant soapy foam. The bear was glad that the wizard was smiling again, which meant he believed in miracles.
The wizard washed the bear, and his plush coat looked even more beautiful. Bromir wrapped the little bear in a towel and carried him to dry on the rug beside the lit fireplace.
Toptyzhka dried quickly, and the wizard tied a lovely bow around his neck. Taking the bear in his arms, he went to the window. Outside it was dark.
And to think you dared to make such a journey, my little brave bear! You, Toptyzhka, have worked a real miracle for me, the wizard. They say that for those who are dear to us we are capable of performing any miracle, and nothing is impossible when they need help. I needed help, and you were not afraid to do everything possible to see me happy. And I am happy, because I have such a wonderful friend. I will try to work a little miracle for you!
Bromir set Toptyzhka on his favourite cosy shelf. He knew for certain that the bear had most of all enjoyed flying. Closing his eyes, a little afraid that nothing would come of it, the wizard said:
Dunu one, dunu two, dunu three, and the bear shall have a hot air balloon to suit his size... Look, my friend, look... Fly, my words, like birds, grant my wish this very moment...
Opening his eyes, the wizard saw a bright hot air balloon on Toptyzhka's shelf. Bromir was joyful that at last he had managed to perform a miracle for his friend. So now he could work miracles again, as wizards should. The hot air balloon was no ordinary one. Setting the bear in the basket, the wizard whispered:
Fly, little balloon, fly...
And the balloon floated smoothly around the room. The bear was happy, he had enjoyed flying, and that was true. He had understood this when he returned home on the eagle's back.
The surprise delighted Toptyzhka, but even more he loved seeing the kind wizard happy. So his journey had not been in vain. The magic balloon made several circles around the room and settled back on the shelf. The wizard lifted the bear out of the balloon's basket and sat him comfortably on the shelf.
And now it's time to rest. Goodnight, Toptyzhka!
Bromir turned off the light and, settling comfortably on his favourite sofa, fell asleep. The house grew quiet. The brave plush bear slept too. He was glad to be home again. And he dreamed of the forest with Fluffy, Grandpa Owl, Whitetail, the sea with Zippy and Uncle Whale, the mountains with Yasha, Grandpa Snow Leopard and Swiftwing.
And so the journey of the plush bear Toptyzhka came to an end. He had managed to find what returned the wizard's faith in miracles and his ability to work simple wonders.
The kind wizard Bromir had given the townsfolk many miracles. Even now, in that little town, any resident will point you, my dear reader, with special warmth to the home of the wizard and Toptyzhka. And they will gladly tell you many interesting stories.
Do not forget this wonderful tale of true friendship, which I have passed on to you with care.
