A Russian Folktale-The Seven Brothers Simeon

This is an interesting Russian Folk Tale. Russia is the biggest country in the world. The variety of Russian people and their cultures are very familiar all over the world. This Russian folk tale story is collected from the book, named “The Russian Garland - Being Russian Folk Tales”. This Russian folk tale story book Contains 17 Russian folktales, which is gathered from various Russian booklets. This book was edited by- Robert Steele, published from A. M. Philpot, Limited, London; Robert M. McBride, NY in 1916.

The Seven Brothers Simeon (Part-1)

- A Russian Folktale 

There were once upon a time two old serfs (bondsmen), who lived together for many years without children; and in their old age they prayed for a child to keep them from want when they were no longer able to work. After seven years the good woman gave birth to seven sons, who were all named Simeon; but when these boys were in their tenth year, the old man died, and the sons tilled the ground which their father left them.

It chanced one day that the Tsar (king) Ador  drove past, and wondered angry to see such little fellows all busy at work in their field. So he sent his oldest boyar to ask them whose children they were, and why they were working so hard, and the eldest Simeon answered, that they were orphans, and had no one to work for them, and that they were all called Simeon. When the boyar told this to Tsar Ador, he ordered the boys to be brought along with him.

On returning to the palace, the Tsar called together all his boyars, and asked their advice, saying: “My boyars, you see here seven poor orphans, who have no kinsfolk; I am resolved to make such men of them that they shall hereafter have cause to thank me; and therefore I ask your advice—what handicraft or art shall I have them taught?” Then the boyars replied: “Your Majesty, seeing that they are old enough to have understanding, it would be well to ask each brother separately what craft he wishes to learn.”

This answer pleased the Tsar, and he said to the eldest Simeon: “Tell me, friend, what art or trade would you like to learn? I will apprentice you to it.” But Simeon answered: “Please your Majesty, I wish to learn no art; but if you will command a smithy to be put up in the middle of your court, I will raise a column which shall reach to the sky.” By this time the Tsar at once saw that the first Simeon wanted indeed no teaching if he was so good a smith as to do such work; but he did not believe that he could make so tall a pillar; so he ordered a smithy to be built in his courtyard, and the eldest Simeon straightway set to work.

Then the Tsar asked the second Simeon: “What craft or art would you learn, my friend?” and the lad replied: “Your Majesty, I will learn neither craft nor art; but when my eldest brother has smithy the iron column, I will mount to the top of it, look around over the whole world, and tell you what is passing in every kingdom.” So the Tsar saw there was clearly no need to teach this brother, as he was clever enough already.
 

Instantly the Tsar questioned the third Simeon: “What craft or what art will you learn?” He replied: “Your Majesty, I want to learn neither craft nor art; but if my eldest brother will make me an axe I will build a ship in the twinkling of an eye.” When the Tsar heard this he exclaimed: “Such master workers are just the men I want! You also hast nothing to learn.”

Then he asked the fourth Simeon: “You Simeon, what craft or what art will you learn?” and he answered: “Your Majesty, I need to learn nothing; but when my third brother has built a ship, and the ship is attacked by enemies, I will seize it by the prow, and draw it into the kingdom under the earth; and when the enemy has departed, I will bring it back again upon the sea.” The Tsar was surprised at such marvels, and replied: “In truth you have nothing to learn.”

Then he asked the fifth Simeon: “What trade or what art would you wants to learn, Simeon?” And he replied: “I need none, your Majesty; but when my eldest brother has made me a gun, I will shoot with it every bird that flies, however distant, if I can see it.” And the Tsar said: “You will be a famous hunter truly!”
 

The Tsar now asked the sixth Simeon: “What art will you learn?” and he replied in like manner: “Your Majesty, I will follow no art, but when my fifth brother has shot a bird in the air I will catch it before it falls to the ground, and bring it to your Majesty.” “Bravo!” said the Tsar; “you will serve in the field as well as a retriever.”

Then the Tsar enquired of the last Simeon what craft or art he would learn. “Your Majesty,” he replied, “I will learn neither craft nor trade, for I am already skilled in a precious art.” “What kind of art do you understand then?” said the Tsar. “I understand how to steal better than any man alive.” 

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