The Twelve Months: the Story of Marushka and the

Name: The Twelve Months: the Story of Marushka and the Wicked Holena
Author: Parker Fillmore

A woman has two daughters: Holena, her biological child, whom she adores, and Marushka, her stepdaughter, whom she despises due to Marushka's beauty. The stepmother and Holena force Marushka to do all the household chores while they indulge in leisure. Despite their cruelty, Marushka remains kind and continues to grow more beautiful. One winter day, Holena demands violets, which are impossible to find in the snow. Threatened with death if she fails, Marushka climbs the mountain and encounters the Twelve Months, who help her by transforming the landscape to spring, allowing her to gather violets. Holena and the stepmother are astonished when Marushka returns with the flowers, but they do not share them with her. The next day, Holena orders Marushka to find strawberries, again impossible in winter. Marushka returns to the Months, who create summer, enabling her to gather strawberries. Once more, Holena and the stepmother are surprised but do not offer Marushka any fruit. On the third day, Holena demands red apples. Marushka, knowing it is winter, again faces threats. She returns to the Months, who bring autumn, allowing her to pick apples. Holena is furious that Marushka only brings two apples, believing she has eaten the rest. Determined to find more apples, Holena ventures up the mountain herself, disregarding warnings. When Holena arrives at the Months' fire, she is rude and dismissive. Angered, Great January causes a blizzard, and Holena becomes lost in the snow. Meanwhile, Marushka waits at home, concerned for her sister and stepmother, but they never return. Eventually, it is revealed that both Holena and the stepmother have perished in the storm. Marushka inherits the cottage and eventually marries a kind farmer, leading a happy life. The story emphasizes themes of kindness, the consequences of cruelty, and the rewards of goodness.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1940 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 3,387 words

First lines

There was once a woman who had two girls. One was her own daughter, the other a stepchild. Holena, her own daughter, she loved dearly, but she couldn't bear even the sight of Marushka, the stepchild. This was because Marushka was so much prettier than Holena. Marushka, the dear child, didn't know how pretty she was and so she never understood why, whenever she stood beside Holena, the stepmother frowned so crossly.

Mother and daughter made Marushka do all the housework alone. She had to cook and wash and sew and spin and take care of the garden and look after the cow. Holena, on the contrary, spent all her time decking herself out and sitting around like a grand lady.

What this Textopian page supports

The Twelve Months: the Story of Marushka and the Wicked Holena is listed on Textopian as a novel by Parker Fillmore, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Folklore, Adventure
Length: 3,387 words
Structure: 1 section, 111 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a moral lesson, and a classic good versus evil dynamic, typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The presence of the Twelve Months and their magical ability to change the seasons adds a fantasy element to the narrative.
Children's Literature — The simple language, moral lessons, and relatable characters make it suitable for a young audience.
Folklore — The story reflects traditional themes and motifs found in folklore, such as family dynamics and the consequences of cruelty.