DeepSummary
This episode of the Myths and Legends podcast continues the story of Undine, a water elemental who married Sir Huldbrand in order to obtain a human soul. After their marriage, Undine's uncle Kuhleborn tries to cause trouble for the couple, culminating in him nearly drowning Huldbrand and Bertalda, a woman in love with Huldbrand. Undine intervenes and saves them.
Tensions continue to rise between Undine, Huldbrand, and Bertalda, who despises Undine for revealing her humble origins. When Bertalda tries to remove a stone sealing a fountain where Kuhleborn resides, Huldbrand publicly berates Undine over the water, which is forbidden. As a result, Undine is forced to leave him to avoid bringing the wrath of her water kindred upon him.
Years later, Huldbrand decides to marry Bertalda, which Undine warns will be seen as a grave insult by her water kindred. When the marriage proceeds, Undine returns and kisses Huldbrand, allowing the waters to flow into him and drown him as an act of mercy to spare him a worse fate from her kindred. In the end, Undine is depicted weeping at Huldbrand's grave alongside Bertalda.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The story explores themes of romance, betrayal, and the destructive consequences of defying supernatural forces.
- Undine's act of drowning her husband is portrayed as a tragic yet merciful solution to spare him worse punishment from her water kindred.
- The conflict arises from clashing worlds - Undine's supernatural water realm and the human world of Huldbrand and Bertalda.
- Love and relationships are tested by pride, jealousy and revelations about hidden identities.
- The resolution has bittersweet tones, with Undine reunited spiritually with her lost love.
- The fairy tale incorporates elements of folklore surrounding water spirits and nature.
- Motifs of public shame and the power of words over water are central to the story's pivotal events.
- The episode thoughtfully explores complex moral situations without clear-cut answers.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Undine fell asleep aboard the boat and a horrifying face appeared in the water, which really scared Bertalda and not Huldibrand.“ by Jason Weiser
- “She forgave him. But her family, her people never would. They would come for him. They would enslave him for decades before allowing him the torturous death that would feel kind by comparison. This. This was the only way. This was the only mercy.“ by Undine
- “Bertalda felt the water flow from her hand, and when the mourners wiped away their tears, they found a stream, bubbling crystal water. It flowed down the hill and onward toward the river that rushed past the little village church.“ by Jason Weiser
Entities
Company
Person
Book
Mythological figure
Episode Information
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
6/26/24
The creature is Sore-Gus, who's actually pretty sore. Because he's missing both a chunk of meat from his side.
Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership
Final scene: https://myths.link/374
Undine book: https://myths.link/undine
---
Sponsors:
Aeropress: check out https://aeropress.com/LEGENDS and be sure to use code LEGENDS at checkout to save 20%
Greenlight: Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to https://greenlight.com/legends
Quince: Go to https://Quince.com/legends for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns
---
Music:
"Forner's Churn" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Fieldfare" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Sandpiper in Motion" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Cover Letter" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Dusky" by Blue Dot Sessions
"Crested T" by Blue Dot Sessions