Nica (or Nika)
Nica (or Nika) is a Bulgarian water nymph, cognate with Russian rusalka and South Slavic samodiva/vila. Inhabits rivers and lakes as a beautiful young woman with long hair. Can be helpful to fishermen but dangerous if scorned, drowning swimmers. Part of the broader Slavic 'water maiden' complex. The name may derive from 'nica' (water spirit) in Bulgarian dialect.