Kindness is stronger than the blizzard: Kodzyd Pol from Komi shared a northern fairy tale with young guests of the National Centre RUSSIA
A wizard from the Komi Republic, Kodzyd Pol, arrived at the National Centre RUSSIA on 22 November together with his loyal helper, a Hare named Koch. On this day, the performance of the "Winter Wizards" festival was held here. The event is organised by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The theatrical performances prepared by each of the winter wizards are based on ancient legends of the indigenous peoples of their home regions.
In the Komi language, "Kodzyd Pol" means "Cold Grandfather". In the region’s folk mythology, he embodies the power of winter. The main winter character of the republic shared with the children the secret of his origins.
"I was born from the northern lights and at first lived at the North Pole, so cold is my friend and companion. But alas – there was no one to talk to, no one to sing with. I spoke to snowdrifts, sang songs with the blizzard, drank tea with the frost, and danced and played round dances with snowflakes. I was sad and lonely. Nobody likes harsh frosts, so no one lives at the Pole. And far away from it it was so cold that children, instead of sledding and playing snowballs, spent their days warming themselves on the stove. And what was worst – New Year was approaching, a magical holiday for children and adults. So one day I came to people. The frosts immediately subsided. I told children different stories, sang my favourite songs, danced and played. Northern people liked it," Kodzyd Pol told them.
Together with the Hare, the winter wizard from Komi shared a few more fairy tales with the children: for example, how his love of singing and dancing melted the icy heart of the spirit of the northern winds, Voipel. And then – how the clever but kind Koch became his loyal companion.
The celebration was almost disrupted by the evil sorceress Yoma-Baba, who, out of jealousy, kidnapped the Hare and demanded Kodzyd Pol’s magic staff in exchange for her prisoner’s freedom.
"While you, Kodzyd Pol, were away from our remote taiga, life was easy and peaceful for me. People remembered me, visited me and helped with the household. And then you appeared… You sing to people, dance, play with them, knock your staff here and there, do your magic. And me? I sit here alone. People have forgotten about me, no one comes to my domain, no one asks: 'How are you, Yoma?' Who needs me, an evil sorceress, if there is a kind wizard? Everyone goes to Kodzyd Pol. And no one needs my magic anymore," Yoma-Baba admitted sorrowfully.
But the wise winter wizard showed the children that one does not have to fight – one can become friends. He presented Yoma-Baba with a warm shawl featuring a traditional Komi ornament, touching her heart with his kindness and care. This moment became one of the most meaningful parts of the performance: the fairy-tale characters showed that a kind word and heartfelt warmth are stronger than any blizzard.
The young audience became active participants in the performance. They helped the characters play snowball games, guessed the tracks of Komi forest dwellers and together imitated the wind to rescue the Hare from Yoma’s hut.
"I liked the Hare the most, because he is funny and brave. And I also realised that you should always make peace with your friends and give them gifts," said Alina, a young festival guest.
The "Winter Wizards" festival is held at the National Centre RUSSIA from 15 November until the end of December on weekends in the Gastronomic Rows space. On 23 November, children will meet Ues Dade from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Further performances will take place according to the following schedule:
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yushto Kugyz from the Republic of Mari El;
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Chyskhaan from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia);
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ekhee Dyil from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia);
30.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legends of Chyskhaan and Ekhee Dyil from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia);
07.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Cossack Ded Moroz from the Stavropol region;
07.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Mytyn Dada from the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania;
13.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legends of Pakkayne, Talvi Ukko and Halla from the Republic of Karelia;
14.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yakshamo Atya from the Republic of Mordovia;
20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yamal Iri from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area;
20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Sook Irey from the Republic of Tuva;
21.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region;
27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Tol Babay from the Udmurt Republic;
27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Ryazan Ded Moroz from the Ryazan region;
28.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Kysh Babay from the Republic of Tatarstan.
At the end of all performances, young guests will enjoy a tour of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition and receive sweet gifts.
