What was the name of the rat in the fairy tale “Buratino”? - briefly
The rat in the “Buratino” fairy tale is named Mikhas.
What was the name of the rat in the fairy tale “Buratino”? - in detail
The rodent that appears alongside Buratino is identified as Mishka, a brown‑fur rat with a thin, agile build. He first enters the narrative when Buratino meets him on the road to the puppet theater, offering assistance in locating the golden key. Mishka’s speech is marked by a rapid, slightly nasal tone, reflecting his street‑wise background.
Key characteristics of Mishka:
- Name: Mishka, a diminutive form of the Russian Mikhail, commonly used for small, friendly rodents.
- Physical description: Light‑brown coat, sharp eyes, long whiskers; often depicted wearing a simple vest.
- Role in the plot: Serves as an informant who knows the whereabouts of the stolen gold and guides Buratino through the forest toward the Key‑Keeper.
- Personality traits: Resourceful, quick‑thinking, loyal to Buratino despite occasional self‑interest.
- Literary significance: Represents the archetype of the clever auxiliary character who aids the protagonist in overcoming obstacles.
Mishka’s presence reinforces the theme of collaboration among disparate characters, illustrating how even a modest rat can influence the outcome of Buratino’s adventure. His name has been retained in most translations, preserving the original Russian nuance while remaining accessible to an international readership.