Undine (1872). John William Waterhouse (English, 1849-1917). Oil on canvas.Undines are a category of
Undine (1872). John William Waterhouse (English, 1849-1917). Oil on canvas.Undines are a category of elemental beings associated with water, first named in the alchemical writings of Paracelsus. Similar creatures are found in classical literature, particularly Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Undines are almost invariably depicted as being female, and are usually found in forest pools and waterfalls. Although resembling humans in form, they lack a human soul, so to achieve mortality they must acquire one by marrying a human. Such a union is not without risk for the man, because if he is unfaithful, then he is fated to die. -- source link
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