Medieval tales of supernatural women longing for a human lover and a mortal soul are common throughout Europe, from Melusine, to dragon and serpent women, to Ondine.These mythical women's nature draws in the reader: while they are not good, (being supernatural), their motives are usually pure and the men are the ones who bring about the unhappy ending. There is no duality to Giraudoux's Ondine, her supernatural nature is never seen as evil, especially because religion is not really brought into the story. Even so, she is delightful in her childlike wonder. The play is charming in its entirety and Ondine's enchantingly eerie ways give a touching insight into human nature. A great read, recommended to all.
