Question

"Двенадцать месяцев". Почему братья-месяцы помогают падчерице?

Answer 1

The Story of "Dvenadtsat' Mesyatsev" (The Twelve Months)

"Dvenadtsat' Mesyatsev" is a Russian fairy tale that tells the story of a young girl named Marfusha who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsister. In the tale, Marfusha's mother dies, and her father remarries a woman with a daughter. The stepmother and stepsister are cruel to Marfusha and force her to do all the household chores.

One day, Marfusha goes into the forest to gather firewood, and she meets twelve brothers who represent the twelve months of the year. Each brother has a unique appearance and personality that corresponds to the characteristics of their respective month. The brothers are sympathetic to Marfusha's plight and offer to help her.

Why Do the Brothers Help Marfusha?

The brothers help Marfusha because they are kind-hearted and compassionate. They see her suffering and want to alleviate her hardships. Additionally, Marfusha treats the brothers with kindness and respect, which further motivates them to assist her.

Each month, the brothers use their unique abilities and resources to aid Marfusha. For example, the January brother brings snow to cover the ground, making it easier for Marfusha to walk. The February brother brings the first signs of spring, and the March brother brings the warm winds to melt the snow. This pattern continues throughout the year, with each brother contributing something to make Marfusha's life better.

The Symbolism of the Brothers

The twelve brothers in "Dvenadtsat' Mesyatsev" represent the changing seasons and the passage of time. They symbolize the cyclical nature of life and the hope that comes with each new month. Through their actions, the brothers teach Marfusha and the readers about the importance of perseverance, kindness, and the belief that better times will come.

Conclusion

In the fairy tale "Dvenadtsat' Mesyatsev," the brothers represent the twelve months of the year and help Marfusha, the mistreated stepdaughter, because of their compassion and her kindness towards them. Each brother contributes something unique to improve Marfusha's life, symbolizing the changing seasons and the hope that comes with each new month. The tale teaches important lessons about perseverance, kindness, and the belief in a brighter future.