Synopsis: Citizens of the Russian empire are sent into exile in Siberia. A wise man of the Siberian people, whom the author refers to as the Shaman, ponders the decay of these exiles' moral character, and decides to adopt one of their children, Anhelli, and educate him in wisdom. He takes the child on his travels during which he performs miracles. The child's spirit is sent on a distant journey. Ultimately Anhelli dies as a sort of expiatory sacrifice.