Undine

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2825

Title

Undine

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this classic German fairy tale by Friedrich de La Motte Fouque, Undine is a water nymph who falls in love with a knight named Huldbrand and becomes human after marrying him. However, their happiness is short-lived as Undine's true nature is discovered, leading to tragic consequences.

Summary up to 500 words

In the enchanting tale of Undine, a beautiful water nymph falls in love with Huldbrand, a young knight. She marries him and becomes human, but her true nature is eventually discovered, leading to tragic consequences. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. Through Undine's journey, Fouque delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative begins with Huldbrand's arrival at a picturesque lake, where he meets an old fisherman who is mending his nets. The fisherman's cottage is situated on a green turf that stretches out into the lake, creating a sense of harmony between nature and human presence. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this idyllic setting is not without its secrets. Undine, a water nymph, reveals her true nature to Huldbrand, explaining that she has obtained a soul through their union. She warns him that if he rejects her or tries to leave her, she will return to the sea and be reunited with her father, a powerful water prince. Despite this warning, Huldbrand is torn between his love for Undine and his duty to his family. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Undine's presence has a profound impact on those around her. Her uncle, Kuhleborn, appears to be a mysterious figure who seems to have a connection to Undine's past. He is revealed to be a water spirit who had borne Undine on his back to the region where she met Huldbrand. The narrative takes a darker turn when Bertalda, Huldbrand's bride, becomes increasingly obsessed with removing her freckles and obtaining the purifying water from the castle fountain. Her actions ultimately lead to the uncovering of the fountain, which unleashes Undine's spirit. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation between Huldbrand and Undine, resulting in his death. The tale is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the human condition. Through Fouque's masterful storytelling, the reader is drawn into a world of enchantment and wonder, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of mortality and the consequences of one's actions.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg2825.epub

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2026-06-30 04:13 UTC

Categories

• Romance
• Fantasy
• Fairy Tales