The Beginning, or Why the Little Bear Decided to Set Out on a Journey
In a lovely, cozy, small town there lived a young wizard named Dobromir. He was happy to help everyone and was a friend to every resident.
One day he helped build a house for a family that had recently moved to town: they didn't have a home of their own yet, so it needed to be built quickly. Another time he helped a chimney sweep, tired after the day's work, with the last chimney of his shift. And still another time he searched for a lost doll for a little girl.
The wizard never refused anyone simple human help. The only trouble was that he could never perform some kind of miracle and help people with his magical gift.
Dobromir grieved greatly, so much 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 had been born with. But nothing worked. He could not bring beautiful flowers for a holiday, nor a breeze to lift kites into the sky. He blamed himself more and more and decided that he was not worthy of being called a wizard.
In his simple cozy house 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 him, for a wizard cannot rejoice when he cannot even perform the smallest bit of magic. The sun peeked into the house less and less, and then winter arrived.
In Dobromir's house there was one especially treasured object: a little bear named Toptyzhka, a gift from his mother, which he kept carefully. Sitting on his cozy shelf, the bear watched the wizard. He remembered him as a little boy, and now he had become a grown, kind and honest man. The bear knew 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 those who had been close only as long as help was needed. Yet Dobromir's soul never stopped being pure and open, and it always saw only the best in everything.
The bear loved this wonderful quality of the wizard's soul. He loved how Dobromir rejoiced when he had been able to help someone, and so the day had not been lived in vain.
Now Toptyzhka especially wanted to help his despairing friend and see his smile again, like the sun. But what could he, a plush bear, do? The clumsy bear thought for a long time, but nothing came to mind.
Suddenly the bear heard familiar footsteps: Dobromir had returned 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. Even better than many people understand what troubles me. But you cannot speak, so you cannot advise me... It has grown cold 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, took the bear from the shelf, and brought him to the window so he could admire nature's snowy finery.
Look, little one! Isn't our town beautiful in winter, covered with a white blanket of snow! There, in the distance, you can see the forest, sleeping under its snow cover until spring. Believe me, it is very beautiful. And beyond the forest is the sea... Perhaps somewhere out there is something that could help me work a miracle. After all, miracles are within the power of every wizard, but not for me... Well, my friend, we have no time for travel. There is a lot of work here, but I'll tell you: traveling is wonderful!
Dobromir 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 favorite sofa and fell asleep.
The bear looked at the sleeping wizard and remembered how Dobromir 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 on the meadow, watching the clouds. The wizard had indeed enjoyed observing nature then; he heard in its breath a special music that changed with the weather and the seasons.
Dobromir deeply felt how important it is to cherish every flower, how precious every birdsong is, how magical the music of the water of a babbling brook by the house is. And suddenly the bear understood how to help his friend!
I, Toptyzhka, will set out on a journey and find what will help Dobromir perform miracles again, as wizards should, especially such kind and honest ones! It is decided! I will be brave and once again bring my friend the joy that a miracle performed for someone brings.
The bear carefully climbed down from the shelf, looked once more at the sleeping wizard, who surely was dreaming a pleasant dream, touched his hand with his little 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! Snow sparkled at dawn, and frost nipped at the nose. Before the bear opened an enormous, lovely and at the same time frightening world full of the unknown, which he had never known while sitting on his cozy shelf. Now he had to face this world to find what would help his friend believe in miracles once again.
It was frightening for the bear to set out on a journey. He did not know what he was looking for, but he really needed to help the wizard. Toptyzhka jumped into the sled of the forester, who every morning drove through the forest checking whether all was well with its inhabitants.
The forester came out of his house, brought out the horse, harnessed it to the sled and, settling down comfortably, set off, unaware of the little passenger riding with him.
The ride was short, and the bear found himself in the snowy winter forest. As soon as the forester stopped the sled, the little bear carefully climbed down and continued on foot. He had to hurry, every minute counted!
The Plush 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, looking carefully at everything around him, hoping that what he sought might be hidden somewhere in the forest. But he found nothing, and tired, the bear sat down by a tree. Suddenly a little hare jumped out beside him. He looked intently at the bear.
Hello! I am Pushok! And you're probably a relative of Uncle Bear. Let me take you to his den. It's strange, though: I thought all bears sleep in winter, not visit each other...
The bear smiled and said:
Hello, Pushok! I'm not related to Uncle Bear at all. I'm just a plush 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 Pushok.
The bear scratched his plush head with his paw and began his story:
I don't know how you could help me, but I set out into the forest to rescue a friend, a kind wizard. He was given to me when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. You know how many people he has helped with his own hands! But for a long time he has not been able to perform any magic, and this upsets him terribly. He has stopped believing in magic and thinks he can no longer be called a wizard. So I set out on a journey to find what will help him believe in himself again and restore his ability to work miracles. This forest is not far from our home, so I began my journey right here. Is there anything in your forest that I'm looking for?
Pushok stroked his ear with his 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 Grandfather Owl knows everything and can surely help you. Come on, I'll take you to him!
The path was long, but with Pushok the bear was not afraid, and the road seemed more cheerful. At last the bear and Pushok reached an old oak where Grandfather Owl lived. Pushok called out:
Hello, Grandfather Owl! We really need your advice!
In that very instant an owl appeared on a branch, looked at the guests intently and said:
Hello! Well, if you need advice, I'll gladly help you in any way I can.
The bear was very glad and decided to tell quickly what had been troubling him.
Grandfather Owl thought deeply. He truly knew everything, but he did not know how to help the bear. There was nothing of the sort in the forest.
You won't find it here, no matter how hard you try. You've been given a difficult task, but your wish to help your friend will point you toward what you seek. I once heard from my own grandfather that something special lies in the sea beyond our forest. Go there. Pushok will take you to the deer Whitetail, and he will carry you to the shore, since the way on your little paws would be long. I will give you a pinecone so you won't forget our forest. Here, take it.
The bear picked up the pinecone 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 traveler firmly knew he would continue his journey, and he was grateful for the help given by Pushok and Grandfather Owl.
Thank you, Grandfather Owl, for your advice. We must go now. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Toptyzhka, brave little traveler! You have taught us forest folk much. We will not forget your courage. May your path be kind and what you seek surely be found! said the old owl at parting.
Pushok and the bear quickly reached Whitetail.
Hello, Pushok! Glad to see you! What brings you to me?
Hello, Whitetail! Toptyzhka, a plush bear, needs help. He must help someone dear to him as soon as possible. He is heading to the sea, but on his little paws it will take him a very long time to get there. Could you carry him? said the little hare.
Of course, I'll gladly help! Toptyzhka, climb onto my back and hold on tight, Whitetail replied, lowering himself into the snow so the bear could climb on more easily.
Thank you, Pushok, goodbye! I won't forget you and your help, the bear said farewell to the hare.
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! Good luck on your way, and may you find what you are seeking, Pushok replied.
Whitetail rose and carried the bear to the sea, where the little plush traveler would try to find what would return faith in miracles to the wizard. The young deer quickly 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 is no time to waste. Goodbye!
Safe travels, brave little bear Toptyzhka, and may you find what you are seeking, said Whitetail at parting.
Approaching the water, the bear saw a boat, climbed into it and fell asleep, for he was very tired after the day and many adventures and meetings still lay ahead. The bear slept, and he dreamed that he had returned home, and Dobromir, as in his distant childhood, smiled at him, having performed a miracle for the whole town, giving all its residents unseen and never before known wonderful flowers blooming in every flowerbed.
The Plush Bear's Journey Across the Sea
Morning came, and the sound of the waves woke the bear. The little traveler looked around. While he slept, a fisherman had come and sailed off in his boat into the sea.
The sea was incredibly beautiful and calm. It gently rocked the boat. The bear was frightened, as he drifted 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 stepping back, only forward.
The sea was magnificent. In winter it was of course different, 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 observe nature. He would have liked the scene 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 to the bear at dawn must not be wasted.
Gazing at the sea, the little traveler 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 Shustrik! And who are you? What brings you to our cold northern sea?
Hello, Shustrik! I am Toptyzhka, a plush bear. I set out to sea to help a friend, a kind wizard. He was given to me when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. You know how many people he has helped! But for a long time he has not been able to perform any magic, and this upsets him terribly. He thinks he is no longer worthy of being called a wizard. So I set out on a journey to find what would give him back the ability to work miracles. I began my journey in the forest, but there was nothing there I was looking for. Grandfather Owl said that something special lies in the sea. And here I am. Is there anything in your sea that I'm looking for, to help someone dear to me? the bear replied to the seal.
Shustrik scratched his head.
I don't know anything special about 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 can surely help you. Climb onto my back, and we'll swim to him.
The bear climbed from the boat onto Shustrik's back, and they set off for Uncle Whale. The journey was short, and Shustrik easily found the enormous 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 Shustrik, and he loved to give advice when asked. For if someone asks for advice, it means you can help, and helping is necessary.
Hello! If you need advice, speak up, what is 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 what had been 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 seek cannot be found in the sea, no matter how hard you try. But we do have northern pearls! Shustrik, seat the bear on my back and bring him a special pearl as a gift, one that can be found only here. In warm seas the pearls are different... Afterward I will take Toptyzhka to the shore. Let him set off for the mountains, where perhaps he will find what he is looking for.
Shustrik seated the bear on Uncle Whale's back, and, diving, in an instant he surfaced again, holding in his flippers something incredibly beautiful.
Here is a pearl for you, Toptyzhka, so you won't forget your journey to us. It's a pity 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're looking for. Goodbye, Toptyzhka, may your path be kind!
Goodbye, Shustrik! Thank you for everything. I won't forget your help! said the bear at parting.
Uncle Whale quickly carried the bear to a rocky shore. Setting the little traveler down, he said:
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! You have taught us sea folk much, little brave traveler. We will not forget your kindness, and may your path be good. Be sure to find what you are seeking!
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 on, but he had to continue his journey.
He had found nothing special either in the forest or in 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 sought.
What meetings and amazing landscapes awaited him ahead, he did not know. But he remembered Dobromir. How he would have loved the mountains! If only he could return to the wizard and see him happy, believing in miracles, as befits such a kind person. And the bear walked faster.
The Plush Bear's Journey in the Mountains
It was hard for a 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 the little paws to walk. The wind was much stronger and colder.
The bear was completely worn out. He sat down, leaning his back against the mountain, and began to think about 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 studied him carefully.
Hello, I'm Yashka the kid goat. But I'm not an ordinary kid goat, I'm a mountain one. I haven't met you before in our mountains. Who are you? What brings you here?
Hello, Yashka, I am Toptyzhka, a plush bear! I set out into the mountains to help a friend, a kind wizard. He was given to me when he was still a little boy, and now he is grown up. You know how many people he still helps with his own hands? But he cannot perform any magic now, and this upsets him terribly. He has stopped believing in miracles and thinks he can no longer be called a wizard. So I set out on a journey to find what would give him back the ability to work miracles. I began in the forest, but there was nothing there I was looking for, and Grandfather Owl said that something special lies 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, Yashka? the bear replied 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 Grandfather Ibex knows everything and can surely help you. Climb onto my back, and I'll take you to him.
The journey was short, since Yashka moved easily through the mountains, as a mountain kid goat should, and they quickly reached the cave of old Ibex. Yashka called out:
Hello, Grandfather Ibex! We really need your advice!
In that very instant Ibex came out of the cave, big and wearing a beautiful fur coat. Looking carefully at his guests, he said:
Hello! 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 Grandfather Ibex had agreed to help him, and he decided to tell quickly what had been troubling him.
Ibex listened to Toptyzhka and fell into thought. He truly knew 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 try. 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 Yashka should head home to his mother, she is surely worried already...
Yashka went up to the bear and lowered his muzzle, and the bear, stroking him with his plush paw, said:
Goodbye, Yashka! 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 surely find what you are seeking, said Yashka at parting.
The bear climbed onto Grandfather Ibex's back and continued on his way. In no time they reached Swiftwing, who lived on the mountaintop. Swiftwing, noticing his friend, came over to the travelers.
Hello, my friend! And you, bear, hello! What brings you to me?
Hello, Swiftwing! The plush bear Toptyzhka urgently needs to help his friend, a wizard, as soon 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 found nothing there. Grandfather Owl told him that something special lies 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 of the sort here either... 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 grew thoughtful.
I've flown all over the world, but I have never seen anything like that. You won't find what you're looking for, little one, anywhere in the whole world. I know you, Toptyzhka, and the wizard too. I saw him this morning. The wizard, having lost you, became even more upset, and it seems to me that you should end your journey and return home. I'll carry you straight to your home, brave little traveler. Climb onto my back.
The bear was very upset that he could not find what would 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 should not upset him even more. It's time to go home. Thank you, Grandfather Ibex, I won't forget your kindness and your help. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Toptyzhka! You have taught us mountain folk much, little brave traveler. We too will not forget your kindness, and may your path be good! said Grandfather Ibex to the bear at parting.
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 seen from 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!
Glad to have helped, brave little Toptyzhka, and though what you sought was not found, we learned much 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 fine! And at parting I give you my feather, so you won't forget the mountains, said Swiftwing, holding out a feather in his beak.
The eagle flew away, and the bear climbed onto the bench by the house and fell into thought. He had not found what could return faith in miracles to the wizard and make him happy again.
The bear sat on the bench, tired after the long journey, and looked at the pinecone, the pearl and the feather he had been given. It was joyful for him to remember the kindness of Grandfather Owl and Pushok, Shustrik and Uncle Whale, Swiftwing and Grandfather Ibex, but at the same time it was sad because he had not been able to help the wizard.
And it was also sad because his friend would not know that the bear had tried to help, what journey he had made trying to bring back the smile he had long missed and so longed to see again.
Return Home, or The End of the Journey
The bear sat on the bench by the house and did not dare go in. Suddenly the door opened, and Toptyzhka saw Dobromir. How he had missed him! The wizard, noticing his little bear, joyfully scooped him up in his arms.
How glad I am to see you, Toptyzhka! I had already decided I had lost you forever! Where have you been, little one? What is that interesting thing next to you on the bench?
The wizard set the bear on the bench and picked up the pinecone. As soon as the pinecone was in Dobromir's hands, he saw his little plush friend's journey in the forest, so clearly, as if he had been there himself.
The wizard set the pinecone down on the bench and picked up the pearl. Before him opened the bear's journey across the sea.
Dobromir took the feather, and the feather revealed to his sight Toptyzhka's adventures in the mountains. He put the feather back in its place.
His eyes filled with tears, so clearly had he seen everything that had happened to the bear. He picked up Toptyzhka and looked into his button eyes, gently stroking his plush back.
My brave, little Toptyzhka! How you wanted to help me find what would return my faith in miracles and the ability to work them again. And here it is: what you sought, and what could not be found in the whole wide world. This is your journey, my brave plush friend! Is it not a miracle that you resolved to do such a thing! With the gifts from the people 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 want to try to work magic for someone! Thank you, Toptyzhka, you are a true friend! Come, let's go into the house, put your gifts in the casket and give you a bath, because your plush coat has gotten dirty...
The wizard carried the bear into the house, placed him on his favorite sofa, filled a basin with warm water, took out fragrant soap and, lifting Toptyzhka from the sofa, set him in the prepared tub.
The plush paws tickled as the wizard rubbed them with a washcloth. His nose was enveloped in fragrant soapy foam. The bear rejoiced 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. Dobromir wrapped the little bear in a towel and carried him to dry on the rug beside the crackling fireplace.
Toptyzhka dried quickly, and the wizard tied a pretty bow around his neck. Taking Toptyzhka in his arms, he went to the window. Outside it was dark.
How could you ever decide on such a journey, my little brave bear! You, Toptyzhka, performed a true miracle for me, the wizard. They say that for those dear to us we are capable of 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 perform a small miracle for you!
Dobromir seated Toptyzhka on his favorite cozy shelf. He knew very well that the bear had liked flying most of all. The wizard closed his eyes, a little afraid that nothing would happen, and said:
Dunu raz, dunu dva, dunu tri, and there will be a hot air balloon for the bear, just his size... Look, my friend, look... Fly, my words, like birds, fulfill my wish this very moment...
Opening his eyes, the wizard saw a bright hot air balloon on Toptyzhka's shelf. Dobromir was joyful that he had finally managed to perform a miracle for his friend. So now he could work miracles again, as wizards should. The balloon was no ordinary one. Seating the bear in the basket, the wizard said softly:
Fly, little balloon, fly...
And the balloon floated smoothly around the room. The bear was happy, for he loved flying, and this was true. He had realized it when he was returning 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 on the shelf. The wizard lifted the bear out of the balloon's basket and seated him comfortably on the shelf.
And now it's time to rest. Good night, Toptyzhka!
Dobromir turned off the light and, settling comfortably on his favorite sofa, fell asleep. It grew quiet in the house. The brave plush bear slept too. He was glad to be home again. And he dreamed of the forest with Pushok, Grandfather Owl, Whitetail, the sea with Shustrik and Uncle Whale, and the mountains with Yashka, Grandfather Ibex and Swiftwing.
And so ended the journey of the plush bear Toptyzhka. He had managed to find what returned to the wizard his faith in miracles and the ability to work simple miracles.
The kind wizard Dobromir had performed many miracles for the town's residents. Even now, in that small town, any resident will point you, my dear reader, with especial warmth to the house of the wizard and Toptyzhka. And they will gladly tell you many interesting stories.
Do not forget this amazing tale about true friendship, which I have passed on to you with care.
