The shadow grew angry and howled, but the family huddled close, protecting the flame. By morning, the storm and the shadow were gone.
Babushka smiled and said, “Remember, even the smallest light can defeat the deepest darkness.”
Moral:
Light, both real and in your heart, is stronger than fear.
Notes:
– Flickered – shone unsteadily, like a small flame (мерцала).
– Shadow – a dark shape made when light is blocked (тень).
– Creept – moved slowly and quietly (подкралась).
– Defeat – win against something or someone (победить).
The Lantern That Showed the Way (Фонарь, который указывал путь)
In a small fishing village on the northern coast of Norway, there was an ancient lantern that hung at the edge of the pier. It had guided sailors home for generations, glowing even in the thickest fog.
One winter night, a fierce storm rose, tossing the sea into chaos. A small fishing boat was lost in the darkness, its crew struggling to find their way back.
The lantern, seeing the danger, whispered to the wind, “Help me shine brighter. They need to see me!”
The wind laughed. “A lantern cannot change its light. You’re too small to fight a storm.”
But the lantern refused to dim. It burned hotter, using every drop of oil it had left. Its light cut through the storm like a blade. The sailors saw the glow and steered toward it, reaching the safety of the harbor.
By morning, the lantern was empty, its glass cracked from the heat. But the villagers repaired it, saying, “This lantern gave all it had to save our people. We’ll keep it burning for many more winters.”
Moral:
Even the smallest light can guide others to safety.
Notes:
– Pier – a platform built over the water for boats (причал).
– Fierce – very strong or violent (яростный).
– Steered – turned or guided a boat or vehicle (управляли).
– Dim – not bright (тусклый).
The Bridge That Refused to Fall (Мост, который отказался рухнуть)
High in the Himalayas, there was an ancient wooden bridge that connected two mountain villages. Over the years, it had carried traders, pilgrims, and travelers through wind, snow, and rain.
One summer, heavy rains brought floods that roared through the valley. The villagers worried, “The bridge will break! We’ll be cut off forever.”
The bridge felt the water pounding against its supports but held firm. It whispered to the river, “I will not fall. Too many lives depend on me.”
The river surged higher, laughing, “You’re just wood and rope. You can’t stop me!”
But the bridge tightened every knot and clung to the rocks with all its strength. By morning, the floods receded, and the bridge stood tall, though its ropes were frayed and its planks cracked.
The villagers repaired it and hung prayer flags along its sides, thanking the bridge for its bravery.
Moral:
True strength lies in enduring for the sake of others.
Notes:
– Trader – a person who buys and sells goods (торговец).
– Pilgrim – someone who travels for religious reasons (паломник).
– Frayed – worn or unraveling (истёртый).
– Recided – moved back or became less strong (отступила).
The Dragon Who Guarded the Plum Blossom (Дракон, который охранял сливовый цветок)
In a quiet valley in China, a single plum tree grew on a rocky cliff. This tree was special – it bloomed even in the harshest winters, its blossoms white as snow. A golden dragon, Ling, guarded it, for legend said its blossoms held the secret to eternal hope.
One year, a powerful warlord came to the valley, demanding, “Give me the tree, or I will burn this land!”
The villagers pleaded with Ling, “What can you do against such power?”