I’ve recently read Undine by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. Written in the early 1800s, it is a classic fairy tale in which Undine, an elemental water spirit, marries a human in order to gain a soul. It may be derived from the tale of Melusina. (I think I prefer Melusina, who seems to have a strength and power about her. Also, I loved the incorporation of the Melusina myth into the novel Possession by A.S. Byatt.) Overall, Undine is a delightful read. I read widely, but my current preferred form of escapism is old texts where I can immerse myself in an antiquated cadence. I like the deliciousness of it. Sentences can often be unweildy and complex, forcing me to focus in a way entirely different from my experience with modern books. Although I love modern books too. I am a gluttonous reader, I shall savor the flavors of them all.
Writing this post, it occurs to me that I have a definite attraction for female characters associated with water: Ophelia, The Lady of the Lake, Melusina and Undine. Water is a powerful symbol.
I do not normally share images here that are not strictly Pre-Raphaelite, but I love these images of Undine. John William Waterhouse is often referred to as Pre-Raphaelite, although to be accurate we should say he is Pre-Raphaelite in style. Arthur Rackham is one of my favorite illustrators, and has given life to many familiar works such as Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, The Ring and more.
Undine by John William Waterhouse:
A few Arthur Rackham illustrations of Undine:
My absolute favorite. Undine lost in the Danube:
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by Lacombe..https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=363215727031468&set=a.145484732137903.23023.138502532836123&type=3&theater
Excellent! Thank you, I have never seen that one. Love the red hair!
Your post reminds me her…Lacombe has a special eye..and so you do
Wonderful – the Arthur Rackham watercolours especially.
Wonderful knowledge you have! Caught my eye immediately.
Wonderful knowledge you have of this period.
I painted her for a friend a couple of years ago http://www.meredithdillman.com/catalog.php?item=263
The theme would make a great ballet.
Have you seen this movie? I found it really moving, a modern take on the idea of the Undine.
http://youtu.be/80HzX8UGEKM
No, I had never seen that! Thanks for sharing it, it looks beautiful.
I saw the movie on Amazon.com as my curiosity was awakened by all these stories of sea creatures. I had to watch it two times as the local dialect was hard for me to understand. I thought it was a good movie with a strange twist at the end.
It looks so good, I hope to see it soon!
Best wishes to your husband!
Thank you! He’s doing well, but is tired of being in the hospital!