St. Nicolas the Miracle-Worker in Oral Tradition of Ust-Tsilma

The study aims to general analysis of folklore tales about St. Nicolas the Miracle-Worker in one of Northern Russian traditions - Komi Republic Ust-Tsilma Region (Pechora river). The study is based on field records from Folklore archive of Syktyvkar State University, collected by University researchers from 1980 decade until present times. Local story of late XVIII century from Ust-Tsilma manuscript of mid-XIX century is used in analysis of one item. Popular characteristics of the Saint and his various abilities (home and domestic animals protection, assistance in voyage, in forest, on the water and so on) are revealed in prayers, legendary narratives, beliefs and rituals. St. Nicolas icons miraculous appearance are specially considered. These vague legends matter due to their local historical context. The importance of St. Nicolas spring and autumn’s holydays in Ust-Tsilma popular calendar is noted. The study leads us to perspective goal - composing the summary of main lines in St. Nicolas legends. This task will make it possible to systematize the voluminous and diverse information in order to compare it with similar items from different localities for a deeper consideration of this exclusively rich image of the saint in the tradition in question.