Chernushka

Masha lived with her father, her stepmother, and two stepsisters. She was often left to work by the stove, so people nicknamed her Chernushka. One day, the…

Masha lived with her father, her stepmother, and two stepsisters. She was often left to work by the stove, so people nicknamed her Chernushka. One day, the prince announced a festival of crafts and dancing for everyone who wished to attend. The sisters began preparing their dresses, while Masha was told to separate a mixture of barley, flour, and wood charcoal. She was upset: she wanted to finish the task and display an embroidered belt at the festival.

Masha carried the bowls out to the porch. Two doves helped pick out the grains, and the young woman set out water and crumbs for them. Soon the barley, flour, and charcoal lay in separate piles. Then the birds brought down a bundle from the attic that Masha’s mother had left behind. Inside were a blue dress and a pair of light slippers. Masha took the embroidered belt and set off for the palace, determined to return before midnight.

At the festival, Masha showed the belt to the craftswomen and met the prince, who was collecting patterns from different lands. They discussed embroidery, but before midnight the young woman said goodbye without giving her name. The next evening, she came in a green dress. The prince wanted to invite her to the workshop, but Masha noticed the time and hurried home. He understood that his guest was keeping a promise and did not follow her.

On the third day, the prince laid a soft carpet beside the staircase. At midnight, the ribbon of Masha’s slipper caught on its edge. She freed her foot and ran away, leaving the slipper behind. The prince announced that he was searching not for a bride whose foot fit the shoe, but for the craftswoman whose pattern matched its ribbon. The sisters tried on the slipper and attempted to copy the design, but they honestly admitted that they did not know how to embroider like that.

Masha showed them the second slipper and the belt with the same pattern. The prince invited her to direct the palace workshop and to continue getting to know him, if she wished. Masha agreed to try. Her stepmother and stepsisters apologized for giving her unfair tasks, and she asked that all the chores be shared equally from then on. At the next festival, the three sisters presented a collection they had made together. The nickname Chernushka remained as a fond reminder of the talent that had begun to shine beside an ordinary stove.