Undine

In a secluded cottage between a dark forest and a great lake, an old fisherman and his wife raised a foster daughter named Undine. She was a water sprite, beautiful and wild, lacking a human soul until she could marry a mortal. When the knight Huldbrand sought shelter from a storm, he fell under her spell. They married, and as the priest blessed their union, Undine received the gift of a soul, transforming from a flighty spirit into a gentle, loving woman. However, their happiness was shadowed by Undine’s uncle, the powerful water spirit Kühleborn. As they returned to the city, Huldbrand’s heart strayed toward the noble Bertalda. Disturbed by Undine’s supernatural origins, he grew cruel. During a voyage on the Danube, Huldbrand cursed Undine, and she was snatched away by the waves. Believing her gone, Huldbrand prepared to marry Bertalda. But on their wedding night, Undine arose from a courtyard fountain. She entered Huldbrand’s room and, with a kiss of tears, drew the breath from his body, fulfilling the law of the spirits that demanded his life for his betrayal.