Melusine is a goddess and/or water spirit known from folklore in what is now north-western Europe. She is usually depicted as a woman with the tail of a fish (much like a mermaid) or a snake.

Myth
Melusine is known primarily from folktales; her best-known story has to do with her marriage to a mortal man, during which he was forbidden from seeing her on Saturdays. All was well and the marriage was happy until the husband grew curious and followed her on a Saturday, eventually discovering her in her true form, at which point she left him forever.

Cult
Unknown.

Etymology
The derivation of the name is uncertain.

Region
Melusine is known from folktales told in north-western France (Normandy, Brittany) and Luxembourg.

Literary evidence

• Jean d’Arras, The Romans of Partenay or of Lusignen: Otherwise known as the Tale of Melusine, compiled from folktales.

Archaeological evidence
Unknown.