The narrative unfolds with a mother who, amidst the grandeur of a palace, bathes her newborn daughter in the Dnieper River at midnight. As she bathes, she whispers incantations, hoping her daughter will become a water fairy. The mother expresses her desire for revenge against a faithless lover, wishing to lure him into the river. The daughter, initially innocent, is swept away by the river and transformed into a fairy, joining other water spirits in their midnight dances. As time passes, the daughter reflects on her mother's actions and the betrayal that led to her transformation. She witnesses her mother, now alone and regretful, wandering by the riverbank, contemplating the fate of her child. The mother, burdened by guilt and longing, is oblivious to the gathering water maidens who playfully ensnare her. In a cruel twist, they capture her, leading her to a fate similar to that of her daughter. The story explores themes of betrayal, transformation, and the cyclical nature of vengeance. The daughter, now a fairy, grapples with her identity and the consequences of her mother's choices. The narrative culminates in a poignant reflection on the interplay between love, loss, and the inexorable pull of fate, as both mother and daughter are ensnared by the river's magic, bound to their respective destinies.
By Taras Shevchenko · First published 1845 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance