Anna Starobinets’s "Beastly Tales," a summary Automatic translate

This book is a collection of local myths, folk tales, and lullabies from a fictional universe, created in 2020. The work expands the world of the famous detective series, focusing on the unique folklore of animals from different habitats, where each species has its own legends, superstitions, and fears.

Myths and legends of the village of Okhotki

The village of Okhotki is close to the Far Forest. Dogs, cats, pigs, and farm birds live there permanently. Farm owner Nina Palna regularly organizes local beauty shows for her pets. The animals’ daily lives are strictly regulated by unspoken rules.

A powerful hunting dog named Polkan takes charge of a newly arrived Boxer puppy. The little one whines constantly at night, disturbing the hens and the rooster Petunya. Polkan names the unnamed puppy Mukhtar. The old wolfhound tells the little one comforting stories. As a child, Polkan himself fell asleep to the tales of an old English setter named Lord.

The snow-white Persian cat Marquise is deeply interested in the causes of canine hatred. Her purebred mother, Persea, passes on to her kitten an ancient myth about the curse of the black cat. This ancient legend explains in detail the centuries-old antagonism between canines and felines.

In the neighboring chicken coop, a chick named Pyts hatches safely from its egg. The mother hen immediately begins teaching it the solemn hymn of the poultry yard. Domestic hens sincerely believe in their great historical destiny. They regularly sing the praises of eggshells and glorify the military exploits of their forefathers.

Oral Traditions of the Far Forest

The Far Forest is nestled in a temperate climate zone. Its inhabitants strictly adhere to the local vegetarian law. The animals’ legal status completely precludes the traditional food chain — carnivores are strictly prohibited from eating their herbivorous neighbors.

Forest animals traditionally explain frightening natural phenomena through ancient folklore. They believe loud thunderclaps are a manifestation of the wrath of the Celestial Bears. A sudden thunderstorm causes all the inhabitants to panic and hide in deep burrows.

The atypical behavior of some individuals is called "star fever" by natives. The Badger and the Owl regularly become the central figures in folk tales. In one dramatic story, a distraught hamster suffers greatly from unrequited love. A young female hamster rudely rejects his romantic advances in Syrnokhlebny Lane. She insultingly calls the hunchbacked suitor an old man. The despairing rodent composes a dark ballad about his crushed feelings.

Folklore of the Near Forest and Undergrowth

Residents of the neighboring Near Forest create their own frightening tales. The hunt for the mysterious Winged One occupies a central place in local mythology. The owl folk song is passed down from generation to generation by the birds.

The inhabitants of the Underwood carefully preserve the memory of their outstanding relatives. The tale of the first badger on the moon describes the incredible space journey of an ordinary forest animal. This fantastical story inspires the younger generation to bold deeds.

Dark Tales of the Wild Forest-Steppe

The Wild Forest-Steppe frightens its inhabitants with ominous rumors of a powerful witch. Adults whisper Koya’s story. A gopher named Weakpaw tenderly puts her son to bed. Little Trembling Tail is afraid of a strange amulet above his crib.

A protective talisman made of feathers, cobwebs, and sharp thorns is supposed to ward off evil forces. Locals believe that the spirit of the witch Koya infiltrates the dreams of others. The insidious entity steals the sincere joy of sleeping animals. The robbed victims lose the ability to laugh forever. Koya feeds on the stolen laughter, replenishing her magical reserves.

The harsh realities of the Far Sparse Forest

The Far Sparse Forest is located in a hot, arid savannah. This harsh place does not forgive weakness. Local populations constantly wage bloody local wars over drinking water, fresh fruit, and convenient territories. Shamans regularly perform terrifying rituals. Only brute force operates here.

During a severe drought, the giraffe Rafaella gives her young son coconut milk to drink. Rafik, the baby giraffe, complains of extreme thirst. His mother tells him an old legend about bone and flesh. This philosophical myth helps the cubs accept the harsh laws of survival in the savannah.

Mothers sing sad lullabies to their children. The lyrics mention dangerous lions and swift cheetahs. Baby antelopes, ostriches, and aardvarks fall asleep in constant animal fear. Parents frankly warn their little ones of the imminent threat from large predators.

Secrets of the Underwater Forest

The Underwater Forest is considered the most densely populated place in the described universe. The seafloor features deep trench formations, high mountains, and active volcanoes. Marine life moves through the water column like land birds.

Penguins have strict rules for raising children. The stern Mrs. King-Ping loudly scolds young Penguin for being careless. The little one slides down the slippery slope of a huge glacier without permission. A nasty fall onto hard ice is followed by a lecture about the harsh punishment that awaits him for his disobedience.

Cold Myths of the Far Hills

The Far Hills are located in the northeast, on the border between the taiga and forest-tundra. Permafrost allows only mosses, lichens, and low shrubs to survive. In summer, medicinal cloudberries ripen in the cold marshes.

Kind Nanny Lemma cares for a little Arctic fox. An ordinary lemming brushes young Pyosa’s fur with a pink, rhinestone-studded slicker brush. Nanny tells her charge the story of the Frozen Demon. The girl asks questions about magic and miracles.

Lemma denies her magical powers. She attributes the seasonal shedding to the powerful goddess Undra. This mythical being changes the color of her fur twice a year. All the Arctic foxes of the tundra follow suit. The combed-out white fur signifies the long-awaited arrival of the short northern summer.