The Beginning, or Why the Little Bear Decided to Set Off on a Journey
In a lovely, cosy, little town there once lived a young wizard called Dobromir. He was happy to help 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, as they did not yet have a home of their own and it needed to be put up quickly. Another day he helped a chimney sweep, tired after the day's work, with the last chimney of his shift. And at 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 manage to perform some proper miracle and help people with his magical gift.
Dobromir grieved greatly, 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 had been born with. But nothing worked. He could not bring beautiful flowers for the holiday, nor a breeze to lift the kites into the sky. He blamed himself more and more and decided that he was not worthy to be 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 him, for a wizard cannot be happy when he cannot manage even the smallest bit of magic. The sun peeped into the house less and less often, and then winter arrived.
In Dobromir's house there was one especially precious object: a teddy bear called Topotyzhka, given to him by 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 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.
Topotyzhka knew how much his friend's heart ached because of the betrayal of those who had been close to him only for as long as he was needed. Yet Dobromir's soul never stopped being pure and open, and it stubbornly 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 managed to help someone, and so knew that the day had not been lived in vain.
Now Topotyzhka especially wanted to help his utterly despairing friend and to see his smile again, like the sun. But what could he, a plush teddy bear, do? The clumsy bear thought for a long time, but nothing came to him.
Suddenly the bear heard familiar footsteps: Dobromir had returned home. The wizard sat down in his armchair, wrapped himself in a blanket and, gazing out of the window, said:
You know, my friend Topotyzhka, sometimes I think you understand everything. You even understand better than many people what troubles me. But you cannot speak, so you cannot give me any advice... It has turned cold outside, and so much snow has fallen, it is truly a snowy fairy tale! But why talk about it? I'll show you now!
The wizard threw off the blanket, stood up, and taking the bear from the shelf, held him up to the window so that he could admire the snowy scene of nature.
Look, little one! Isn't our town beautiful in winter, wrapped in a white blanket of snow! There, in the distance, you can see the forest, sleeping under its snowy cover until spring. Believe me, it is very lovely. And beyond the forest lies the sea... Perhaps somewhere out there is something that could help me work a miracle. For every wizard can perform miracles, but not me... Well, my friend, we are not in the mood for travelling. There is plenty to do here, but I'll tell you this: travelling 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 favourite sofa and fell asleep.
The little bear gazed at the sleeping wizard, and he remembered how Dobromir had pushed him on the swing, read him stories about journeys, brave knights and kind wizards, when he was still a little boy. How he used to sit with him on the meadow, watching the clouds. And how the wizard had loved to observe nature then, hearing in its breath a special music that changed with the weather and the seasons.
Dobromir had felt keenly how important it was to care for every flower, how precious every birdsong was, how magical the music of the water in the babbling brook by the house. And suddenly the bear understood how to help his friend!
I, Topotyzhka, shall set off on a journey and find what will help Dobromir to work miracles again, as wizards should, especially such kind and honest ones! It is decided! I shall be brave and bring back the joy to my friend, the joy that a miracle performed for someone brings.
The bear carefully climbed down from the shelf, glanced once more at the sleeping wizard, who was surely 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 only just appeared on the horizon. How beautiful! The snow glittered at dawn, and the frost nipped at his nose. Before the bear opened an enormous, lovely and yet 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 more.
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. Topotyzhka jumped into the sledge of the forester, who drove round the forest every morning, checking that all was well with its inhabitants.
The forester came out of his house, led out his horse, harnessed it to the sledge and, settling himself comfortably, set off, unaware of the little passenger riding 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 climbed down carefully and went on by foot. He had to hurry, for 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 going forward, and the bear went on his way.
He walked for a long time, looking carefully at everything around him, in case what he sought was 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 looked intently at the bear.
Hello! I'm Fluffy! And you must be a relative of Uncle Bear. Let me take you to his den. It's strange, though: I thought all bears slept in winter, rather than visiting each other...
The bear smiled and said:
Hello, Fluffy! I am not at all a relative of Uncle Bear. I am just a plush teddy bear called Topotyzhka, which is why I am not asleep.
Then 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 tale:
I don't know how you can help me, but I set off into the forest to rescue 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 with his own hands! But for a long time now he has been unable to perform any magic, and it upsets him greatly. 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 restore his ability to work miracles. This forest is not far from our home, which is why I began my journey here. Is there anything in your forest that I am looking for?
Fluffy stroked his ear with a paw. He had seen nothing of the kind, but he very much wanted to help the bear.
I haven't seen what you are 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 frightened, and the road 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 his visitors and said:
Hello! Well, if you need advice, I shall gladly help you as far as I can.
The bear was very glad and decided to tell quickly about what had been troubling him.
Grandpa Owl pondered. He really did know everything, but he did not know how to help the bear. There was nothing of the kind in the forest.
You won't find it here, however hard you look. You have been given a difficult task, but your wish to help your friend will point you towards what you are seeking. I have heard from my own grandfather that there is something special in the sea beyond our forest. Go there. Fluffy will lead you to the deer Whitetail, and he will carry you to the shore, for the way is long on your little paws. And I shall give you a pine cone, so that you do not forget our forest. Here, take it.
The bear picked up the pine cone and held it tightly in his plush paws. It was not what he had been looking for, of course, but it was a very precious gift. The little traveller firmly knew that he would carry on, and he was grateful for the help of Fluffy and Grandpa Owl.
Thank you, Grandpa Owl, for your advice. We must be going now. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Topotyzhka, brave little traveller! You have taught us, the forest's inhabitants, a great deal. We shall not forget your courage. May your path be kind, and may what you seek surely be found! said the old owl as he bade farewell.
Fluffy and the bear soon reached Whitetail.
Hello, Fluffy! I am glad to see you! What brings you to me?
Hello, Whitetail! The plush teddy bear Topotyzhka needs help. He must help someone who is 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 hare.
Of course, I shall gladly help! Topotyzhka, climb onto my back and hold on tight, replied Whitetail, lowering himself onto the snow so that the bear could climb on more easily.
Thank you, Fluffy, goodbye! I shall not forget you and your help, said the bear, bidding farewell to the hare.
Goodbye, Topotyzhka! 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. Swiftly the young deer brought the bear to the sea. The bear climbed down from the deer's back.
Thank you, Whitetail, for bringing me so quickly. I shall not forget your help. I must hurry, there is no time to lose. Goodbye!
Safe travels, brave little bear Topotyzhka, and may you find what you are looking for, said Whitetail as he bade farewell.
Approaching the water, the bear saw a boat, and climbing into it, fell asleep, for he was very tired after the day, and many adventures and encounters lay ahead. The bear slept, and he dreamed that he had returned home, and Dobromir, as in their distant childhood, was smiling at him, having worked a miracle for the whole town, giving all its residents the most wonderful flowers that had never been seen before, blooming on every flowerbed.
The Teddy Bear's Journey Across the 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 out to sea in his boat.
The sea was incredibly beautiful and calm. It gently rocked the boat. The bear felt frightened, as he drifted further and further from home. But he had still not found what could help the wizard believe in miracles again, and so there was no turning back, only forward.
The sea was magnificent. In winter it was naturally different, as was all of nature, but its waves had a special music and a special charm.
The bear thought again of the wizard, who had loved to observe nature. He would have liked the picture that opened before the bear's eyes. He had to be brave and search harder for what would help his friend. And the new page of the journey that opened for the bear with the dawn must not be wasted.
Gazing out at the sea, the little traveller could see nothing special. Suddenly a seal appeared on the surface of the water. The bear watched him closely, and the seal, noticing this, swam up to the boat.
Hello, I'm Speedy! And who are you? What brings you to our cold northern sea?
Hello, Speedy! I am the plush teddy bear Topotyzhka. 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 been unable to perform any magic, and it upsets him greatly. He believes he is no longer worthy to be called a wizard. So I set off on a journey to find what will restore his ability to work miracles. I began my journey in the forest, but I did not find what I was looking for there. Grandpa Owl said that there is something special in the sea. And here I am. Is there anything in your sea that I am looking for, to help someone who is dear? replied the bear to the seal.
Speedy scratched his head.
I don't know of anything special in our sea, and I certainly have not seen anything like what you are looking for. I shall take you to Uncle Whale. He is the wisest here and is sure to be able to help you. Climb onto my back, and we shall swim to him.
The bear moved from the boat onto Speedy's back, and they set off to find Uncle Whale. The journey was not long, and Speedy easily found the enormous whale, swimming leisurely in search of interesting news.
Hello, Uncle Whale! We badly need your help, your wise advice!
Uncle Whale was glad to see Speedy, and he loved giving advice when he was asked for it. 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 the matter is. I shall help you as best I can.
The bear was very glad that Uncle Whale had agreed to help, and decided to tell quickly about what had been troubling him.
The wise whale pondered Topotyzhka's story for a long time and at last said:
You have been given a difficult task, Topotyzhka. What you are looking for cannot be found in the sea, however hard you try. But we do have northern pearls! Speedy, sit 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... Afterwards I shall take Topotyzhka to the shore. Let him set off for the mountains, where he may find what he is seeking.
Speedy set the bear on Uncle Whale's back, and diving, in the same instant surfaced again, holding in his flippers something incredibly beautiful.
Here is a pearl for you, Topotyzhka, so that you do not forget your journey to us. It is a pity we have nothing else for you, but I am glad to have helped such a brave little one. I am sure you will find what you are looking for. Goodbye, Topotyzhka, may your path be kind!
Goodbye, Speedy! Thank you for everything. I shall not forget your help! said the bear as he bade farewell.
Uncle Whale quickly carried the bear to a rocky shore. Setting the little traveller down, he said:
Goodbye, Topotyzhka! You have taught us, the inhabitants of the sea, a great deal, little brave traveller. We shall 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 shall not forget your kindness. Goodbye! said the bear to the whale as it swam away.
The bear looked around: before him stood 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 either in the forest or in the sea, and so he had to be brave and go on. And the bear set off along the mountain path, looking around so as not to miss by chance what he was seeking.
What meetings and wondrous landscapes awaited him ahead, he did not know. But he thought of 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 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 the 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 he saw a little kid goat right in front of him. The kid goat looked at him closely.
Hello, I'm Yashka the kid goat. But I am not just any kid goat, I am a mountain goat. I have never met you before in our mountains. Who are you? What brings you here?
Hello, Yashka, I am the plush teddy bear Topotyzhka! 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 he cannot perform any magic now, and it upsets him greatly. 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 return his ability to work miracles. I began in the forest, but I did not find what I was looking for there, and Grandpa Owl said there was something special in the sea. I set off 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 am looking for, Yashka? replied the bear to the kid goat.
The kid goat pondered. He had seen nothing of the kind in the mountains, but he very much wanted to help the bear.
I haven't seen what you are looking for, but wise Grandpa Snow Leopard knows everything and is sure to be able to help you. Climb onto my back, and I shall take you to him.
The journey was not long, for Yashka moved easily over the mountains, as a mountain kid goat should, and they quickly arrived at the cave of old Snow Leopard. Yashka called out:
Hello, Grandpa Snow Leopard! We really need your advice!
In that very instant Snow Leopard appeared from the cave, large and wearing a beautiful fur coat. Looking carefully at his guests, he said:
Hello! Well, if you need advice, I shall gladly help you as far as I can. Tell me what the matter is.
The bear was very glad that wise Grandpa Snow Leopard had agreed to help him, and decided to tell quickly about what had been troubling him.
Grandpa Snow Leopard listened to Topotyzhka and fell into thought. He really did know everything in the mountains, but he did not know how to help the bear.
You won't find it here, however hard you look. You have been given a difficult task, Topotyzhka, but your wish to help your friend is praiseworthy. Climb onto my back, and I shall take you to my old friend, the eagle Swiftwing. Perhaps he can help you. And Yashka should go home to his mum, she is surely worried already...
Yashka came up to the bear and lowered his muzzle, and the bear, stroking him with a plush paw, said:
Goodbye, Yashka! Thank you for not leaving me alone in the mountains. I shall not forget your help and kindness.
Goodbye, Topotyzhka! May your path be kind and may you surely find what you are looking for, said Yashka as he bade farewell.
The bear climbed onto Grandpa Snow Leopard's back, and they continued on their way. In a moment they reached Swiftwing, who lived on the mountain top. Swiftwing, noticing his friend, came over to the travellers.
Hello, my friend! And hello to you too, bear! What brings you to me?
Hello, Swiftwing! The plush teddy bear Topotyzhka urgently needs to help his friend, the wizard, as soon as possible. The wizard has lost his faith in miracles, and the bear has decided to find what will help him. He began his journey in the forest, but found 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 of the kind here either... You fly across the world and know everything. Perhaps you can tell me where to look for what will help the wizard?
The eagle pondered.
I have flown across the world, but I have never seen anything like that. You will not find what you are looking for, little one, anywhere in the whole world. I know you, Topotyzhka, 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 shall carry you straight to the house, brave little traveller, 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 white world that could help his friend.
Well, since I could not help my friend, I should not upset him even more. It is time to go home. Thank you, Grandpa Snow Leopard, I shall not forget your kindness and your help. Goodbye!
Goodbye, Topotyzhka! You have taught us, the inhabitants of the mountains, a great deal, little brave traveller. We shall not forget your kindness either, and may your path be kind! said Grandpa Snow Leopard as he bade the bear farewell.
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 stream 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 shall not forget your help! Goodbye!
Glad to have helped, brave little Topotyzhka, and though you did not find what you were seeking, we learned a great deal from you. You are a true friend, ready for a difficult journey for the sake of someone dear. Goodbye! Do not be sad, everything will be well! And as a farewell I give you my feather, so that you do not forget the mountains, said Swiftwing, holding 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 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 pinecone, the pearl and the feather he had been given. He was glad when he remembered the kindness of Grandpa Owl and Fluffy, Speedy 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 in trying to give him back the smile which the bear had not seen for so long and so wanted to see again.
Homecoming, 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 Topotyzhka saw Dobromir. How he had missed him! The wizard, noticing his little bear, joyfully picked him up in his arms.
I am so glad to see you, Topotyzhka! I had decided I had lost you for ever! Where have you been, little one? What is this interesting thing beside you on the bench?
The wizard set the bear down 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 through the forest. So clearly, as if he had been there himself.
The wizard put the pinecone down on the bench and picked up the pearl. There opened before his eyes the bear's journey across the sea.
Dobromir took the feather, and the feather revealed to him Topotyzhka's adventures in the mountains. The wizard put the feather back in its place as well.
His eyes filled with tears, so clearly had he seen everything that had happened to the bear. He picked Topotyzhka up in his arms and looked into his bead eyes, gently stroking his plush back.
My brave little Topotyzhka! 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 could not be found 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 gifts from the inhabitants 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, Topotyzhka, you are a true friend! Let us go into the house, put your gifts into the casket and wash you, for your plush coat has got dirty...
The wizard carried the bear in his arms into the house, laid him on his favourite sofa, and filling a basin with warm water, took a fragrant soap and, picking Topotyzhka up from the sofa, sat him in the prepared bath.
The plush paws tickled as the wizard rubbed them with a flannel. His nose was covered in very fragrant soap bubbles. The bear was delighted 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 lit fireplace.
Topotyzhka soon dried, and the wizard tied a pretty bow around his neck. Taking Topotyzhka in his arms, he went to the window. Outside it was dark.
And how did you ever dare to make such a journey, my little brave bear! You, Topotyzhka, have performed a true miracle for me, the wizard. They say that for those who are dear to us we are capable of working 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 shall try to perform a small miracle for you!
Dobromir set Topotyzhka on his favourite cosy shelf. He knew well that the bear had liked flying best of all. Closing his eyes, a little afraid that nothing would come of it, the wizard said:
One, two, three, and there will be a balloon for the bear, just the right size for him... Look, my friend, look... Fly, my words, like birds, and fulfil my wish this very moment...
Opening his eyes, the wizard saw a bright balloon on Topotyzhka's shelf. Dobromir was joyful that he had at last 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 that was the truth. He had realised it when he was returning home on the eagle's back.
The surprise delighted Topotyzhka, but he loved even more to see the kind wizard happy. So his journey had not been in vain. The magical balloon made several circles around the room and came down onto the shelf. The wizard lifted the bear out of the balloon's basket and settled him comfortably on the shelf.
And now it is time to rest. Good night, Topotyzhka!
Dobromir switched off the light and, settling comfortably on his favourite 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 Fluffy, Grandpa Owl, Whitetail, the sea with Speedy and Uncle Whale, the mountains with Yashka, Grandpa Snow Leopard and Swiftwing.
So ended the journey of the plush teddy bear Topotyzhka. He had managed to find what returned the wizard's faith in miracles and his ability to work simple miracles.
The kind wizard Dobromir had worked many miracles for the townspeople. Even now, in that little town, any resident will point you, my dear reader, with special warmth to the house of the wizard and Topotyzhka. 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.
