What was the name of the rat in the story of Buratino? - briefly
The rat in the Buratino story is named Artemy.
What was the name of the rat in the story of Buratino? - in detail
The rat in Alexei Tolstoy’s “The Golden Key, or the Adventures of Buratino” is named Peculiar (Russian: Плюшкин). He appears as a cunning, street‑wise figure who joins Buratino’s troupe during the journey to find the hidden treasure. Peculiar is distinguished by his sharp speech, quick wit, and habit of negotiating deals that often favor himself, reflecting the typical traits of a trickster in Russian folklore.
Key aspects of Peculiar’s character:
- Origin: Introduced in the 1936 edition of the novel, he serves as the counterpart to the original Pinocchio’s “Fox” and “Cat” duo, but with a singular identity.
- Function in the plot: Provides comic relief and serves as an intermediary between Buratino and other characters, especially when the group encounters obstacles such as the evil puppet master Karabas Barabas.
- Adaptations: In the 1975 Soviet animated film “The Adventures of Buratino,” Peculiar is voiced by actor Vladimir Grammatikov, maintaining his mischievous demeanor. Later stage productions and television series retain his name and essential traits, sometimes altering his visual design but keeping his role as the clever rat.
- Symbolism: Represents the archetype of the opportunistic survivor, illustrating the moral lesson that cunning can be both a tool for progress and a source of conflict.
Peculiar’s presence enriches the narrative by adding a layer of social commentary on resourcefulness and the balance between self‑interest and cooperation within the story’s moral framework.