An ondine is a water nymph (element of water) usually found in forest pools and waterfalls. They have beautiful voices which are sometimes heard singing over the sound of water.

The ondine is said to be able to gain a soul by marrying a mortal man and bearing his child. If she cannot gain a soul, or if her husband is unfaithful, she will die. If her husband is caught cheating, the water nymph curses her unfaithful husband to cease breathing if he should ever fall asleep again. This is known as "Ondine's Curse".

As an opera singer, I often draw inspiration from the libretto of operas I perform in. "Rhine Maiden's Lament" from Wagner's DAS RHEINGOLD is an aria sung by an ondine about to die. She was unable to to bear her husband's child, therefore unable to gain a soul.