This article is devoted to Russian version of a common archaic mythological model «repentance
and salvation of a great sinner». This historical cultural phenomenon is international by its
origin and ideological orientation. It’s become one of fundamental myths of Russian consciousness.
In the article are analyzed main peculiarities of Russian version of the «great sinner» myth
with specific emphasis on its fictional adaptation by classical writers. Which includes problem of
fictional personification of perfect character, conflict between the Court of God and human judgment,
dilemma between asceticism and altruism, temptation of endless repentance and getting
forgiveness without any penitence. Main trends of its process is shown with the works of
N. V. Gogol’, F. M. Dostoevsky, N. S. Leskov, L. N. Tolstoy, M. Gorky, V. M. Shukshin and
others.