Welcome to Mrs Darley's Blog

This blogspot has been created especially for those who wish to share their ideas and thoughts about the natural world as the year turns and the ancient Pagan festivals that were once celebrated by our ancestors.

Poetry, prose craft work, ancient cure craft and general thoughts and feelings on how the change in the weather and seasons makes you feel are all encouraged and welcomed.

Mrs Darley was my once next door neighbour when I lived amongst the wilds of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall back in the early 1990's. Her charismatic ways and unending wisdom lead me on a journey of self discovery as I spiralled ever further into her magical world.

She has since become the central character in the 'Mrs Darley' series of books.

Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers

Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries

Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements

Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom






Sunday 10 October 2010

Ondine's Curse


In German mythology the term, 'Ondine' was used as the proper name for a beautiful water nymph who fell deeply in love with a brave knight called Sir Lawrence. The couple married and, when making their vows, Sir Lawrence stated that his every waking breath would be a pledge of his love and faithfulness to Ondine. The couple were very happy and soon Ondine gave birth to a beautiful child. From this moment on however Ondine lost her gift of eternal youth and began to age. As her looks diminished so her husband's interest in her waned and one afternoon Ondine found her husband sleeping in the arms of another woman.

Enraged, Ondine reminded Sir Lawrence of his wedding vows when he said that his every waking breath would be a promise of his love and faithfulness to her. She went on to curse him by saying that as long as he stayed awake he would have the breath of life, but if he should ever have the misfortune to fall asleep then his breath would fail and he would die. Needless to say his life was dramatically shortened.

There is a medical condition called 'Undine's Curse', which is used to describe a rare disorder whereby the automatic control of breathing is lost resulting in the need for every breath to be made consciously. If the person falls asleep then this facility is lost and they die.
From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements' by Carole Carlton

1 comment:

  1. My 11 year old daughter has this disease if you have any questions please ask me

    http://confessionsofasleepdeprivedmomma.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete