Story Summary
Discover the Slavic legend of The Twelve Months, where kind Marouckla triumphs over her cruel stepmother with help from the personified months of the year.
In a small cottage nestled in the mountains lived a cruel woman, her lazy daughter Holena, and her kind stepdaughter Marouckla. Jealous of Marouckla’s beauty, the stepmother sent her out into a freezing January blizzard with an impossible command: find violets. Shivering in the forest, Marouckla discovered a great bonfire surrounded by twelve men sitting on stones—the Twelve Months. Taking pity on her, Great January allowed young March to take the high seat. The snow melted, and violets bloomed instantly. Twice more the stepmother sent Marouckla on impossible errands—for strawberries and then for red apples. Each time, the Months shifted the seasons to help her. Finally, the greedy Holena and her mother ventured into the woods themselves to demand more treasures, but Great January summoned a storm so fierce they were lost forever. Marouckla returned to her cottage, living a long life of peace and plenty, always blessed by the seasons.
The Moral
Kindness and humility are rewarded by nature and fate, while greed and cruelty lead to one's own downfall.
“It is not yet your time, but for your kind heart, the seasons shall turn for you.”
Fun Fact
This story is a staple of Slavic winter traditions and was famously adapted into a popular Soviet animated film and play by Samuil Marshak in 1943.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Twelve Months?
The moral is that virtue, patience, and kindness are rewarded by the universe, while those who are greedy and cruel will eventually face the consequences of their own actions.
Who are the characters sitting around the fire?
The characters are the personified Twelve Months of the year, with Great January acting as their leader and keeper of the seasons' staff.
Why did the stepmother send Marouckla into the forest?
She sent Marouckla into the forest to find impossible items like violets and strawberries in winter, hoping the girl would perish in the cold so she and Holena could live alone.
How do the Twelve Months help Marouckla?
The Months use their magical powers to temporarily change the season in a small patch of the forest, allowing Marouckla to gather the flowers and fruit she was ordered to find.
What happens to the stepmother and Holena at the end?
Driven by greed, they go into the forest to find the Months and demand riches, but Great January brings a massive blizzard that causes them to disappear forever.
What is the origin of The Twelve Months story?
This story is a classic Slavic fairy tale, most famously recorded by Czech writer Božena Němcová in the 19th century and later adapted into various Eastern European films.