Ondù

water-spirit · Italy · Mediterranean

Ondù is the Alpine water-spirit of Lombardy and Trentino, cousin of the Germanic Nixe and Nordic Nøkken: a pale youth in wet clothing, often playing a violin, sometimes a horse with a drenched mane. He lures listeners with haunting music and drags them under, yet rewards survivors with musical talent. A related Ondina of Lago di Carezza combs her hair on the shore, vanishing at any noise.

Open in the interactive archive →