Paranormal Creatures :: Ondines

Ondines or undines (Latin: unda — a wave) are elementals, enumerated as the water elementals in works of alchemy by Paracelsus.^[1] They also appear in European folklore as fairy-like creatures; the name may be used interchangeably with those of other water spirits.^[2] Undines were said to be able to gain a soul by marrying a human and bearing his child.

The term has also been used as proper name for such a water spirit, "Ondine".

Ondine was a water nymph in German mythology. She was very beautiful and, like all nymphs, immortal. However, should she fall in love with a mortal man and bear his child - she will lose her "gift" of everlasting life.

Ondine fell in love with a dashing knight - Sir Lawrence - and they were married. When they exchanged vows, Lawrence said, "My every waking breath shall be my pledge of love and faithfulness to you." A year after their marriage Ondine gave birth to Lawrence’s child. From that moment on she began to age. As Ondine’s physical attractiveness diminished, Lawrence lost interest in his wife.

One afternoon Ondine was walking near the stables when she heard the familiar snoring of her husband. When she entered the stable, however, she saw Lawrence lying in the arms of another woman. Ondine pointed her finger at him, which he felt as a kick, waking up with a start. Ondine uttered a curse: "You swore faithfulness to me with every waking breath, and I accepted your oath. So be it. As long as you are awake, you shall have your breath, but should you ever fall asleep, then that breath will be taken from you and you will die!"