Welcome to R day in the A to Z Blog Challenge where I am spending the month searching for all things mermaid.
R is for Russia where the folklore includes stories about Rusalka, spirits of young women or girls who suffered tragic deaths. Their spirits resided on the bottom of lakes and rivers. They were greatly feared because it was believed that they could lure men and children into the water and cause them to drown. The Rusalka were said to be most dangerous in early June when they would come and hang out in trees and sing.
Rusalka illustration by Yelena Bryksenkova
The great Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak, wrote the opera Rusalka in 1900. Although subtitled A Lyric Fairy Tale, this is not a story for children. It tells of Rusalka who forsakes her watery home to become human in order to be with the Prince. Together they face many trials in a tale of doomed love. If you are an opera fan, enjoy this video of Renee Fleming singing the Dvorak’s Song to the Moon from Rusalka.
Have you ever heard of the Russian Rusalka?
This post is part of the A to Z Blog Challenge. I am a member of Pam’s Unconventional Alliance Team along with Shalini who blogs at Something’s Cooking and Tale of Two Tomatoes, Rajlakshmi who blogs at The Twinkle Eyed Traveler, and Parul blogging at Happiness and Food. Pam blogs at the Unconventional Librarian. Stop by and visit them. There’s lots of fun going on!
I haven’t heard of this mermaid but I love the work of Dvorak and I’ve heard Renee Fleming twice. Great clip you chose.
And great challenge too. I;ll be curious to know what you’ll do with all these mermaids. Fascinating topic.
The detail of this mermaid becoming more dangerous in June is so intersting. I wonder where this come from.
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Jazz Age Jazz
It has something to do with the solstice. I’ll need to research more.