Winter wizard Mityn Dada and the God of Fire Artkhuron reminded young guests of the National Centre RUSSIA about the importance of family traditions
The 'Winter Wizards' festival at the National Centre RUSSIA continues to delight guests of all ages. This time, the kind-hearted mountain elder Mityn Dada from North Ossetia – Alania arrived in Moscow. His parable-performance became a vivid lesson about the value of family, respect for elders and the true meaning of preparing for the New Year.
The wizard descended from the snow-capped peaks not simply to hand out gifts, but to 'peek in' on how people prepare for the main celebration — Nog Bon (New Year). This is how he met the hardworking girl Zarina, who believed in miracles, eagerly awaited the main winter character and had even prepared a festive pie for him. Her mischievous brothers Alan and Timur, however, thought only of entertainment, refused to help Zarina and believed that Mityn Dada did not exist. But when they discovered otherwise, their first demand of the winter wizard was for gifts.
"I don't have the patience for these brothers! How disrespectful you are! Nothing matters to you except fun and games. Where is this world heading? Children used to be respectful and kind, treating me as a wonder of nature, yet these two have no regard for me whatsoever," exclaimed Mityn Dada, and summoned the mighty and stern God of Fire Artkhuron to his aid.
The formidable God of Fire reminded the brothers and all the spectators that a celebration is not only about merriment, but also about honouring one's ancestors and respecting the family hearth.
"I am strict, stern and quick-tempered, like fire. If I become angry, a blaze may follow. So as not to frighten people with my temper during the New Year festivities, I appointed the more good-natured winter wizard — Mityn Dada — in my place. But do not offend him, or you shall face my wrath!" thundered Artkhuron.
The main lesson the children took away from the magical story was that a celebration begins not with gifts, but with helping one's parents and paying attention to traditions.
"As a mother, I also learnt a great deal: for example, that one must be not only kind, but also firm. Otherwise we risk spoiling our children and failing to teach them responsibility, which will make it hard for them to cope in the adult world. So strictness and fairness are also expressions of love and care," shared audience member Olga.
After such a lesson, the brothers did more than simply apologise — together with the audience, they made a solemn pledge to obey their elders, respect traditions and be kind and hardworking. The culmination of the performance was a joyful celebration for all: fulfilling Zarina's wish, Mityn Dada led a workshop on the lively Ossetian dance, in which both children and adults took part.
"The dance with Mityn Dada was brilliant! And I really liked the God of Fire. He's strict but fair, like my dad," said young Yegor.
The 'Winter Wizards' festival is organised by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. Theatrical performances for Muscovites and visitors to the capital will continue until the end of December on weekends in the 'Book of Fairy Tales' exposition space (the Fairy Tale Terem). This coming Saturday, 13 December, audiences can look forward to a colourful production based on the legends of the winter wizards Pakkayne, Talvi Ukko and Halla from the Republic of Karelia. Further performances will take place according to the following schedule:
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.
Following all performances, young guests are invited to take a guided tour of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition. Everyone who completes the tour and passes the quiz will receive sweet treats.
Event photobank
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, addressed the participants, organisers and guests of the Forum.
The All-Russian Patriotic Forum is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 7 to 10 December.
