She is Melusina, the water goddess, and she is found in…
“She is Melusina, the water goddess, and she is found in hidden springs and waterfalls in any forest in Christendom, even in those as far away as Greece. (...) A man may love her if he keeps her secret and lets her alone when she wants to bathe, and she may love him in return until he breaks his word, as men always do, and she sweeps him into the depths with her fishy tail, and turns his faithless blood to water. The tragedy of Melusina, whatever language tells it, whatever tune it sings, is that a man will always promise more than he can do to a woman he cannot understand.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A mythic tale warns that men often overpromise to women they cannot fully understand, leading to betrayal and loss.
In simple terms: Men promise beyond their ability, causing pain.
Key Takeaway
Respect boundaries and keep promises.
Themes
mythology
gender
trust
betrayal
Mood
reflective
cautionary
Type
narrative
allegory
When to use this quote
- relationships
- storytelling
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
promise
understanding
faithlessness
transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What promises have you broken unintentionally?
- How can we better understand partners?
A Different Perspective
Promises made without sincerity can damage trust.