Magical Clay

Yadmir was the best potter in the village. He created pots, plates, bowls, and cups of incredible form. His works were renowned for their delicacy and strength. He enjoyed painting the pottery with bright ochres of various colors. The women believed that if there was anything in the house crafted by Yadmir’s hands, the food would take on a unique flavor.

The man had a son named Yan. His mother had died of smallpox when the boy was just a toddler. Yadmir raised Yan alone, and finally, when the boy turned twelve, he wanted to begin teaching him the craft of pottery. But fate had other plans. One week before the boy’s birthday, Yadmir fell seriously ill; his body weakened, and his hands barely obeyed him. He could not create art, and most terrifyingly, he could not pass on his knowledge to his son.

So Yadmir called Yan to him and said: — I am very unwell, son; I can’t take care of you… — It’s alright, Daddy, I made you some porridge. Eat it; you’ll feel better. — Porridge won’t help me, son. — What should we do, Daddy? — We need to find the magic clay. — Magic? — Yes, they say it is located in a lake in the dark forest, but I’m scared to let you go alone. — Don’t be afraid, Dad. I’ll find the clay and be home before sunset.

The father raised his head and saw a glimmer in his eyes.

— Alright, take the pot from the shelf, but remember there are many animals and unseen creatures in the forest. Be careful!

Yan took the pot, bundled up warmer, and set off. He walked into the woods, and along the path, he encountered large bushes of currant and raspberry. He sometimes picked them and satisfied his hunger. After walking in the forest for several hours, the boy grew bored; the lake was nowhere in sight. Suddenly, something rustled in the grass. The boy flinched, then quietly started moving toward something unknown. Approaching the thicket, Yan saw a hedgehog digging in the soil. The hedgehog recoiled, but when the boy offered him the remaining raspberries, it became friendly. Yan played with his new friend until he noticed that stars were visible overhead.

Yan wanted to turn around and run home, but a loud sound came from deep in the forest. It was the cry of some large animal. The boy hesitated, but before he could turn and run, he saw a huge shadow among the trees. An incredible, gigantic creature, with long arms and legs, was walking toward him. Yan ran without looking back; he was afraid the creature would catch up to him. Bushes scratched his arms and legs, leaving deep cuts. Suddenly, his foot got stuck in a large dry branch, and Yan fell. The boy sat down by a tree, closed his eyes, and hoped the monster wouldn’t find him. After a while, he fell asleep.

Suddenly, a bright blue light flew close to his face. The boy saw a moth he had never seen before.

Moth: «Follow me, and I will show you the magical lake.»

Yan stood up and ran after the moth. They dashed through the dense, dark forest, and finally, a lake came into view ahead. Rounding the last trees, Yan saw a bright red glow along the banks.

Moth: «This is magic clay. Rub it on a broken vessel, and it will become like new.»

He picked up the shards of the pot and began smoothing the edges with red clay. The pot glowed, and it truly was as it had been before. The boy couldn’t believe his eyes. He started scooping clay into the vessel. Heavy footsteps sounded sharply behind him. Yan remembered the creature that had been pursuing him. A frantic scream tore through the air, and the boy woke up.

Yan: —Was that just a dream?

Distraught, Yan stood up and was about to go home to tell his father that he had failed, when he kicked the pot. It was whole and filled to the brim with clay.

Yan: —So all of this was real! But how?

The boy grabbed the pot and ran home. Upon reaching his father, he took out the treasure and made a small plate following his father’s instructions. He poured soup into it and gave it to his father. A day later, Yadmir’s hands began to work, and he taught Yan how to create items from clay—including magical ones.