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 magical 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 little 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 trunk and, exhausted, fell fast asleep right there in the forest.
In the morning, he was awakened by 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 introduce ourselves. What's your name?
Asked one of the little hares.
I'm Kolobok Kruglash, and what should I call you?
We're brother hares: Dobryak, Dymok and Dik.
The three replied almost in unison.
And what are you doing here?
Kolobok asked, carefully examining each fluffy creature.
The forest is our home, we live here!
And you're not 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.
Dymok said quietly but confidently.
We invite you to visit us, to our warm little house. You can warm up, have some tea with biscuits and sweets.
Dobryak offered.
You're shaking with cold, and it's certainly not summer outside.
At that very moment, a strong wind began to blow, and a blizzard was approaching.
Come on, follow us quickly.
Cried one of the brothers and ran towards their home.
Kruglash didn't hesitate and followed them.
The hares lit a fireplace, laid 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.
Dik answered mysteriously.
Suddenly, a clock chimed loudly and clearly.
Kruglash asked alertly:
What are those 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 quite 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 one another.
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.
Observing the magical 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 Frost himself.
He had never seen him before, but he remembered him well from fairy tales.
Oh, Grandfather Frost.
Kruglash approached him joyfully and at the same time a little frightened.
Tell me your wish, Kolobok.
Grandfather said confidently.
I have only one wish: I want to never be afraid of anything again.
Kruglash asked sincerely.
As you wish, from now on you shall be the Fearless Kolobok.
Father Frost said 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 in the clearing.
Kruglash woke up in his own warm, cosy bed.
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 didn't expect to hear:
Look, the Fearless Kolobok is coming.
The animals whispered quietly to one another.
Kruglash came closer and asked:
Am I the Fearless one?
Kolobok asked, more of himself than of others.
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 merely 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!
