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"The figure of MELUSINE (or Melusina), is truly an archetypal image that can
be found in mythologies and legends the world over. Her ancient Greek
counterpart would be the Sirens of the Odyssey. She can also be detected in
the legend of Undine as recounted by the Swiss Paracelsus. There are also
stories of water-sprites, or nymphs in both Gallic and Celtic mythology. She
later appears in a Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson as "a little
mermaid". And she eventually attains superstardom in a full-length, animated
Disney cartoon in 1989.
The name "Melusine" is related to the ancient priestesses of Demeter who were called "melissae". In fact, Selene, the moon (as mistress of water), was also known by the name "Melissa". Furthermore, the name for the fish-woman in German is "Meerfrau" or "Meriminni", and in Danish she is "Maremind". The Irish knew her as "Merrow" and the Breton peasantry called her "Marie-Morgan". In the legendary lore of all these people, there are tales of the enchantment of mortal men by a magical, water-sprite or mermaid....MELUSINE." |
