St. John's Eve (short story)

"St. John's Eve" is a short story by Nikolai Gogol, published in 1830 as part of the collection Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka. It is considered one of Gogol's earliest works and is a prominent example of his Ukrainian folklore-inspired fiction. The story blends elements of romance, horror, and the supernatural, drawing heavily on Ukrainian legends and beliefs.

The plot revolves around the young lovers Petro and Pidorka. Petro, deeply in love with Pidorka, is poor and desires to marry her. He is tempted by a mysterious figure, Basavriuk (often associated with the Devil), to commit a terrible deed on St. John's Eve (June 23rd/24th) in exchange for wealth that will secure Pidorka's hand. Basavriuk instructs Petro to find a treasure but requires him to sacrifice a human life to obtain it. Petro, blinded by his desire for Pidorka and lured by the promise of riches, commits the gruesome act. He finds gold but also incurs a terrible curse and suffers guilt and madness. Years later, he is found in a state of derangement, haunted by his actions, before meeting a tragic end.

The story explores themes of love, greed, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the consequences of succumbing to temptation and supernatural forces. It highlights the tension between traditional values and the allure of instant gratification through immoral means. "St. John's Eve" showcases Gogol's early talent for vividly depicting Ukrainian rural life, incorporating supernatural elements into a realistic setting, and creating a sense of suspense and horror. It establishes many of the characteristic features that would define his later, more mature works, including his use of folklore, grotesque imagery, and exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. The tale is notable for its unflinching depiction of violence and its exploration of the psychological impact of guilt and supernatural encounters.