The Fisherman and His Soul

A young Fisherman, captivated by a beautiful Mermaid he caught in his nets, falls deeply in love. However, the Mermaid tells him they can only be together if he sends away his soul, for the Sea-folk have no souls. Seeking a way to do this, the Fisherman consults a Priest, who rebukes him, and a Witch, who eventually shows him how to cut his shadow away with a knife of viper-skin. Having severed his soul, the Fisherman joins the Mermaid in the depths. His Soul, now a separate entity, wanders the world for three years. Each year, it returns to the shore, tempting the Fisherman with tales of wisdom, then wealth, but the Fisherman refuses, for love is better. In the third year, the Soul tempts him with the beauty of a dancing girl. The Fisherman, curious, returns to land, but he cannot find the girl. He discovers that once the soul is severed, it can never be reunited with the heart in life. The Soul, now heartless and bitter, leads the Fisherman into sin. When the Fisherman finally returns to the sea to find his Mermaid, he discovers she has died. He dies of a broken heart as the waves wash over him, and his Soul finally finds its way back into his heart at the moment of death.

“Love is better than Wisdom, and more precious than riches, and fairer than the feet of the daughters of men.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Fisherman and His Soul?

The moral emphasizes that the heart and soul must remain united to maintain morality and true love. It suggests that while love is the greatest force, discarding one's conscience or spiritual essence leads to inevitable ruin and sin.

Why does the Fisherman want to get rid of his soul?

The Fisherman wants to be with a Mermaid who cannot love him as long as he has a human soul. To join her in the underwater kingdom, he must cast his soul away, as the Sea-folk are soulless beings.

What happens to the soul after it is cast away?

The soul becomes a separate entity that travels the world for three years, gaining wisdom and wealth but losing its capacity for empathy. It returns annually to tempt the Fisherman, eventually succeeding by appealing to his curiosity and desire.

How does the story end?

The story ends tragically with the death of the Mermaid and the Fisherman dying of a broken heart by her side. As he dies, his heart breaks, allowing his Soul to finally re-enter his body, and they are buried together in an unmarked grave.

What is the role of the Witch in the story?

The Witch assists the Fisherman by providing the magical means to sever his soul from his body. Unlike the Priest, who condemns the Fisherman's desire, the Witch enables his choice, though it leads to his eventual downfall.

How does Oscar Wilde's story differ from The Little Mermaid?

While Andersen's Mermaid seeks a soul to be with a human, Wilde's Fisherman gives up his soul to be with a mermaid. Wilde flips the fairy tale trope to explore the philosophical and darker nature of the human spirit.