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As centuries passed, the narrative surrounding Saint Nicholas evolved through various cultures and stories. The earliest written accounts by figures, like the Greek historian Metaphrastes, contributed to the mythology surrounding him, blending his factual life with fantastical elements. His acts of charity and miracles inspired numerous tales, from saving sailors at sea to providing dowries for impoverished families, further embedding his virtues within Christian ethos.
Nicholas's generosity became a key theme, symbolized by the act of secretly providing gold to a poor man unable to marry off his daughters. These narratives solidified his status as a benevolent figure throughout Europe.