St. Nicholas and the Three Maidens
A Greek Tale
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Retold by The Legendary Connection
TLC#00264
Once upon a time, in a small village by the sea, there lived a kind-hearted young man named Nicholas. He had been blessed with great wealth, but his heart was not set on riches. Instead, he wanted to use his fortune to do good in the world and honor the love and kindness that his parents had taught him.
In this village, there was a nobleman who had fallen on hard times. He had three lovely daughters, each as kind and gentle as the spring breeze. But with no money for food or clothing, the family was desperate. The father feared his daughters would be forced to make difficult choices just to survive.
Nicholas heard about the family's troubles, and his heart ached for them. He thought long and hard about how he could help without embarrassing them. Then, one quiet night, he came up with a plan.
With the village fast asleep and only the glow of the moon to light his way, Nicholas crept to the nobleman’s house. In his hand, he carried a small bag filled with gold coins wrapped in a soft cloth. Carefully and quietly, he tossed the bag through an open window. It landed with a soft thud on the floor inside.
The next morning, the nobleman awoke and discovered the bag of gold. His eyes grew wide with wonder. “Who could have done this kind deed?” he asked, looking around as if the answer might appear. Tears filled his eyes as he thanked God for this unexpected gift. With this new fortune, he was able to arrange a marriage for his eldest daughter, giving her a future filled with hope and happiness.
But Nicholas wasn’t done. He knew the family still needed help. A few nights later, as the village lay silent under a blanket of stars, Nicholas returned. This time, he carried another bag of gold. Once again, he tossed it quietly through the open window and slipped away into the night.
When the nobleman awoke the next morning, he saw the second bag of gold. His heart swelled with joy and gratitude. “How can this be?” he wondered aloud. “Who is this kind and generous soul helping my family?” This time, he decided to stay awake the next night to see if he could discover the identity of their mysterious helper.
On the third night, Nicholas returned. He carried a larger bag of gold, knowing it would be enough to help the nobleman’s youngest daughter. As he approached the house, he moved with the quiet steps of a cat. But this time, the nobleman was waiting. He had stayed awake, hiding by the window.
Just as Nicholas was about to toss the bag inside, the nobleman leapt up and ran outside. “Stop!” he called. “Please, don't run away. Let me see your face!”
Nicholas’s heart pounded in his chest. He quickly turned and ran, but the nobleman was fast. He caught up to Nicholas and fell to his knees before him. “It’s you!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. “You are the one who saved my daughters! Let me thank you properly.”
The nobleman reached out, wanting to kiss Nicholas’s hands in gratitude. But Nicholas shook his head and gently pulled the man to his feet. “Please,” he said with a kind smile. “Do not tell anyone what I have done. Let it remain a secret between us.”
The nobleman agreed, his eyes filled with respect and admiration for Nicholas. From that day on, he kept his promise and told no one of Nicholas’s generosity. But the story of a kind stranger who gave in secret began to spread. It was told from home to home, from parent to child, and from heart to heart.
And so, Nicholas’s kindness was never forgotten. His story became a reminder that true generosity comes not from seeking praise, but from a heart full of love. The tale of the kind-hearted man who gave in secret would live on for generations to come.
It is said that this story is where the tradition of hanging stockings by the fireplace began. Long ago, people would hang their stockings at night, hoping that a kind and generous visitor might leave a gift inside. This simple act of hope and gratitude lives on today as families hang stockings for Saint Nicholas, who is now known as Santa Claus.
Original Source: Harley, George. “St. Nicholas His Legend and His Rôle in the Christmas Celebration and Other Popular Customs.” Gutenberg.org, 2024, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/42969/pg42969-images.html#CHAPTER_IV. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.