Russian Folktales · Character

St. Nicholas

The Wonder-Worker whose rescued icon becomes a merchant's silent partner, blessing honest trade and quietly steering a fortune toward the poor.

supporting

Also known as Nicholas, Saint Nicholas

First appearance: A Story of Saint Nicholas

As a supporting figure in Russian Folktales, St. Nicholas is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The saint whom the priest served; the priest strikes his icon in frustration before leaving.

In the storyThe Priest with the Envious EyesOpen this moment free

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When Iván finds Nicholas's forgotten image in his dead father's shop, he washes it, lights a lamp before it, and carries it to his counter as a daily witness. The saint repays this devotion with customers who seem sent by heaven, then sends an old man to serve as clerk and conscience, urging Iván away from tobacco and toward alms. He anchors the tale's moral economy: wealth is a loan from the holy, repayable only in generosity.

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See St. Nicholas in A Story of Saint Nicholas

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how St. Nicholas sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Religious and clerical figures
Protagonist
Divine and mortal figures

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because the Wise Woman’s imitation of the parents’ call introduces the fir…

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In the story

St. Nicholas appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Priest with the Envious Eyes
The saint whom the priest served; the priest strikes his icon in frustration before leaving.
A Story of Saint Nicholas
Appears as an old man who guides Iván, advises him in trade, and ultimately reveals his divine nature.
Elijah the Prophet and St. Nicholas
Protects the peasant by advising him to sell and later redeem his field, and to thresh one sheaf at a time.
Christ and the Geese
Mentioned as St. Peter, the disciple who wishes to experience being God and is tasked with watching the geese.
Christ and Folksongs
Accompanies Christ and is puzzled by His choice to stop for folksongs instead of hymns.
The Dream
Mentioned alongside Elijah the Prophet; name-day on December 6th.
Midnight Dance. General Notes to This Story
Noted as the most popular miracle worker among saints in Russia, with a beneficent character shown in the story of St. Nicholas and St. Elias.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for St. Nicholas unlock in the free preview.

See St. Nicholas in A Story of Saint Nicholas

See St. Nicholas in The Priest with the Envious Eyes