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[[Category:Mythical creatures]]
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[[Image:Siegfried rhinemaidens.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Rhine maidens and [[Sigurd|Sigfried]], by [[Arthur Rackham]].]]
  
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The '''Nix''' ('''Nixie''' plural) is the most popular term for the [[shapeshifting]] water spirits of [[Germany|Germanic]] and [[Norse|Nordic]] [[folklore]]. Often times these [[mythical creature]]s appear as humans, and are sometimes linked with such similar creatures as the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[Siren]]s or the [[Europe|European]] [[Mermaid]]s; however, more often than not they are closer to [[nymph]]s or [[faerie|sprite]]s in both demeanor and appearance.
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The Nix may take different forms, but their message is one of warning of impending [[death]] by drowning. Water [[spirit]]s (or [[deity|deities]]) the Nixie cannot live happily far from water. They entice their human victims to join them through song or music, luring them into the water from which there is no escape only death. The lesson from the tales of the Nix is clearly to avoid temptation, especially one that is supernaturally attractive, and stay safe on the land that is our home.
  
[[Image:Siegfried rhinemaidens.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Rhine maidens and [[Sigurd|Sigfried]], by [[Arthur Rackham]].]]
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==Etymology==
[[Image:Ernst Josephson-Strömkarlen.jpg|thumbnail|242px|''Strömkarlen'' from 1884 by [[Ernst Josephson]] has formed many modern Swedes' view of Näcken.]]
 
[[Image:Noekken_01c.jpg|thumbnail|245px|In Norway, [[Theodor Kittelsen]]'s ''Nøkken'' from 1904 is equally famous.]]
 
[[Image:Johan_Tirens_naecken.jpg|thumbnail|242px|This late 19th century painting by [[Johan Tirén]] shows a more conservative Swedish Näcken wearing the clothes of the local people.]][[Image:Näcken och Ägirs döttrar (Nils Blommér).jpg|right|thumb|245px|[[Nils Blommér]]'s ''the Nix and [[Ægir's daughters]]'' makes the Nix of [[Scandinavian folklore]] meet the Nixes of [[Scandinavian mythology]].]]
 
The '''Neck''' ([[English language|English]]) or the '''Nix/Nixe''' ([[German language|German]]) refer to [[shapeshifting]] water spirits who usually appear in human form. The spirit has appeared in the myths and legends of all [[Germanic peoples]] of Europe.<ref name="nordisknäck">The article ''Näcken'', [http://runeberg.org/nfbt/0177.html tome 20, p. 317], in ''[[Nordisk familjebok]]'' (1914).</ref>
 
  
Their sex, bynames and various animal-like transformations vary geographically. The German ''Nix'' and his Scandinavian counterparts are males, whereas the Geman ''Nixe'' or ''Nixie'' is a female river [[mermaid]].<ref name="nordisknäck"/>
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The term '''Nix''' comes from the [[Old High German language|Old High German]] ''Nichus,'' which became ''nickes'' or ''niches'' in [[Middle High German language|Middle High German]] before finally becoming Nix in [[Modern German language|Modern German]]. The term ''Nicker,'' more than likely is a variation of both the German variations as well as the [[Norse language|Nordic]] ones: ''nyker'' in [[Old Norwegian language|Old Norwegian]], ''nykur'' in [[Icelandic language|Icelandic]], ''nok'' in [[Danish Language|Danish]] and finally, ''Neck'' in [[Swedish language|Swedish]].<ref>''Oxford English Dictionary'' (Oxford Press, 1971) ISBN 019861117X </ref>  
  
==Names and etymology==
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The differences in the terms are subtle. While Nix and its variations translate simply as "water elf," Nicker and its roots are more commonly described as "An imaginary being supposed to live in the water; a water demon, kelpie or river horse." <ref>Ibid. </ref>The differences in terms suggestions the more narrowed defined Germanic version of Nix, while the [[Scandinavia]]n forms of the creature are more broad in scope.
The names are generally held to derive from [[Proto-Germanic|Common Germanic]] ''*nik-wes'', which is a [[perfect participle]] of [[Proto-Indo-European language|PIE]] ''*nig<sup>u</sup>'' ("wash", "swim").<ref name="hellquist">[http://runeberg.org/svetym/0620.html ''Svensk etymologisk ordbok'', by Elof Hellquist (1922) Lund, C. W. K. Gleerups förlag Berlingska boktryckeriet. p. 532.]</ref> It is related to [[Sanskrit]] ''nēkēkti'' ("wash"), [[Greek language|Greek]] ''nízō'' and ''níptō'', and [[Irish language|Irish]] ''nigther''.<ref name="hellquist"/>
 
  
The form ''neck'' appears in English and in the dialect of northern Sweden.<ref name="hellquist"/> The standard Swedish name is ''näck'', but in southern Sweden, it is also called ''nick'' and ''nek''.<ref name="hellquist"/> The Swedish forms are derived from Old Swedish ''neker'', which corresponds to Old Icelandic ''nykr'' (gen. ''nykrs''), and modern Norwegian ''nykk''.<ref name="hellquist"/> In Old Danish, the form was ''nikke'' and in modern Danish it is ''nøk(ke)''.<ref name="hellquist"/> The Icelandic word ''nykr'' also means [[hippopotamus]].<ref name="nordisknäck"/><ref name="hellquist"/>  
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==Origin==
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It is difficult to determine the exact origin of the Nix, particularly since it first appears in oral [[folklore]]. However, there are a few theories that possess some merit. Many folklorists and [[anthropology|anthropologists]] have noted that water-spirit stories from around the world share such similarities that they may in fact be derivative from a common origin, namely the ancient belief in a water [[goddess]] or deity. It was common in ancient [[Pagan]] cultures to attribute deities to the forces of nature, [[water]] being one of the most significant to human survival. With the advancement of [[civilization]] and [[society]], these pagan beliefs were transmuted in the form of local oral tradition; hence the single belief in a water deity became disseminated over different geographical areas. Often times, these beliefs were incorporated into already existing belief structures, and therefore the supreme sea goddess was demoted to a supernatural being of lesser powers, sometimes a trickster or natural spirit. It is possible that the Nix comes from such a process.<ref>Gary R. Varner, "Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings around the World, A Study in Comparative Mythology." (Algora Publishing, 2007) ISBN 0875865453</ref>  
  
In [[Middle Low German]], it was called ''necker'' and in [[Middle Dutch]] ''nicker''.<ref name="hellquist"/> The [[Old High German]] form ''nihhus'' also meant "crocodile",<ref name="nordisknäck"/><ref name="hellquist"/> while the [[Old English language|Old English]] ''nicor''<ref name="nordisknäck"/><ref name="hellquist"/> could mean both a "water monster" and a "hippopotamus".<ref name="hellquist"/>
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Due to the similarities with [[faerie]]s and [[nymph]]s, it is also possible that the Nix shares a common origin with both. Nymphs derived from the Greek belief in nature spirits that not only inhabited certain natural settings (such as woods and lakes), but they were symbiotic with nature and were responsible for its health and well being. Faeries were also considered spirits of nature, but were not so integrally connected to the well being of plants and animals. Often they were supernatural beings that interacted with humans, either for their own amusement or the betterment of humankind.  
  
Common bynames are the Swedish ''Strömkarlen'' and the Norwegian ''Fossegrim''.<ref name="hellquist"/> Since the Scandinavian version can transform himself into a horse-like ''[[kelpie]]'', he is also called ''Bäckahästen'' (the "brook horse"). In Germany where they mainly appear as female, they are also called ''Rhine maidens''.
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==Mythology==
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===Scandinavia===
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[[Image:Näcken och Ägirs döttrar (Nils Blommér).jpg|left|thumb|245px|[[Nils Blommér]]'s ''the Nix and [[Ægir's daughters]]'' makes the Nix of [[Scandinavian folklore]] meet the Nixes of [[Scandinavian mythology]].]]
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The [[Scandinavia]]n ''näcken,'' ''nøkken,'' ''strömkarlen,''<ref> Jacob Grimm, ''Teutonic Mythology'' (London: Routledge, 1999) ISBN 0415221080</ref> ''Grim'' or ''Fosse-Grim'' were male water spirits who played enchanted songs on the [[violin]], luring women and children to [[drown]] in lakes or streams. The enthralling [[music]] of the Nix was most dangerous to women and children, especially [[pregnancy|pregnant]] women and [[baptism|unbaptized]] children. They were thought to be most active during [[Midsummer's Night]], on [[Christmas Eve]] and on Thursdays. When malicious Nixie attempted to carry off people, they could be defeated by calling their name; this, in fact, would be the [[death]] of them. The nix was also an [[omen]] for drowning accidents. He would scream at a particular spot in a lake or river, in a way reminiscent of the [[loon]], and on that spot a fatality would later take place.<ref>James Francis Child, ''The English and Scottish Popular Ballads,'' Vol. 1, 2nd edition, (Loomis House Press, 2002) ISBN 0970702027</ref>
  
==Scandinavia==
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However, many of these superstitions were developed after the [[Christian]]izing of the Northern countries, as were similar stories of [[faerie]]s and other entities in other areas. Hence, not all of these spirits were necessarily malevolent; in fact, many stories exist that indicate at the very least that Fossegrim were entirely harmless to their audience and attracted not only women and children, but men as well with their sweet songs. Stories also exist wherein the Fossegrim agreed to live with a human who had fallen in love with him, but many of these stories ended with the Fossegrim returning to his home, usually a nearby waterfall or brook. Fossegrim are said to grow despondent if they do not have free, regular contact with a water source.
===Näcken, Nøkken===
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[[Image:Johan Tirens naecken.jpg|thumb|200 px|A painting of Näcken by Johan Tirén.]]
The [[Scandinavia]]n ''näcken'', ''nøkken'', ''strömkarlen'',<ref>Or strömkarl (singular), per Grimm 1835:17:11.</ref> ''Grim'' or ''Fosse-Grim'' were male water spirits who played enchanted songs on the [[violin]], luring women and children to [[drown]] in lakes or streams. However, not all of these spirits were necessarily malevolent; in fact, many stories exist that indicate at the very least that Fossegrim were entirely harmless to their audience and attracted not only women and children, but men as well with their sweet songs. Stories also exist wherein the Fossegrim agreed to live with a human who had fallen in love with him, but many of these stories ended with the Fossegrim returning to his home, usually a nearby waterfall or brook. Fossegrim are said to grow despondent if they do not have free, regular contact with a water source.
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It is difficult to describe the actual appearance of the Nix, as one of its central attributes was thought to be [[shapeshifting]]. Perhaps he did not have any true shape. He could show himself as a man playing the violin in brooks and waterfalls (though often imagined as fair and naked today, in actual folklore he was more frequently wearing more or less elegant clothing) but also could appear to be treasure or various floating objects or as an animal—most commonly in the form of a "brook horse." Fossegrim and derivatives were almost always portrayed as especially beautiful young men, whose clothing (or lack thereof) varied widely from story to story.
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[[Image:Noekken.jpg|thumb|left|246px|The Nix as a brook horse by Theodor Kittelsen, a depiction of the Nix as a white horse]]
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'''Bäckahästen''' (translated as ''the brook horse'') is a [[mythology|mythological]] [[horse]] in [[Scandinavian folklore]]. If properly approached, and if you brought the Nix a treat of three drops of blood, a black animal, some ''brännvin'' (Scandinavian [[vodka]]) or [[''snus'']] (wet [[snuff]]) dropped into the water, he would teach a musician to play so adeptly "that the trees dance and waterfalls stop at his music."<ref>Thomas Keightley, "The Fairy Mythology" (1870)</ref> It has a close parallel in the Scottish [[kelpie]]. It was often described as a majestic white horse that would appear near rivers, particularly during foggy weather. Anyone who climbed onto its back would not be able to get off again. The horse would then jump into the river, drowning the rider. The brook horse could also be harnessed and made to [[plow]], either because it was trying to trick a person or because the person had tricked the horse into it.
  
If properly approached, he will teach a musician to play so adeptly "that the trees dance and waterfalls stop at his music," [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm056.htm]  
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===Germany===
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[[Image:DieRheintöchter.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Rhine maidens]]
  
It is difficult to describe the actual appearance of the nix, as one of his central attributes was thought to be [[shapeshifting]]. Perhaps he did not have any true shape. He could show himself as a man playing the violin in brooks and waterfalls (though often imagined as fair and naked today, in actual folklore he was more frequently wearing more or less elegant clothing) but also could appear to be treasure or various floating objects or as an animal &mdash; most commonly in the form of a "brook horse" (see below). The modern Scandinavian names are derived from an [[Old Norse]] ''nykr'', meaning "river horse." Thus, likely the brook horse preceded the personification of the nix as the "man in the rapids". Fossegrim and derivatives were almost always portrayed as especially beautiful young men, whose clothing (or lack thereof) varied widely from story to story.
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In the nineteenth century, Nixie in Germanic folklore were considered [[Sprite (creature)|water sprites]] who tried to lure people into the water. The males could assume many different shapes, including that of a human, [[fish]], or [[snake]]. The females were beautiful women with the tail of a fish. When in human forms, they could be recognized by the wet hem of their clothes. The Nixie are considered as malignant in some quarters, but as harmless and friendly in others.<ref>Grimm </ref>
  
The enthralling music of the nix was most dangerous to women and children, especially [[pregnant]] women and [[baptism|unbaptised]] children.  He was thought to be most active during [[Midsummer's Night]], on [[Christmas Eve]] and on Thursdays.  However, these superstitions do not necessarily relate to all the versions listed here, and many if not all of them were developed after the Christianizing of the Northern countries, as were similar stories of faeries and other entities in other areas.
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There were many famous Nixie in Germanic folklore. One famous Nix was [[Lorelei]]. According to legend, she sat on the rock at the [[Rhine]] which now bears her name, and distracted fishermen from the dangers of the reefs with the sound of her voice. In [[Switzerland]] there is a legend (myth) of a seamaid or Nix that lived in [[Lake Zug]] (the lake is in the Canton of Zug). The legend of [[Heer Halewijn]] a dangerous lord who lures women with a magic song to death, may have originated with the Nix.  
  
When malicious nix attempted to carry off people, they could be defeated by calling their name; this, in fact, would be the death of them.<ref>Francis James Child, ''The English and Scottish Popular Ballads'', v 1, p 95-6, Dover Publications, New York 1965</ref>
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In a fictional depiction, the Rhine maidens are among the [[protagonist]]s in the four-part Opera ''[[Der Ring des Nibelungen]]'' by the composer [[Richard Wagner]], based loosely on the Nix of the ''Nibelungenlied.'' The Rhine maidens [[Wellgunde]], [[Woglinde]], and [[Floßhilde]] ([[Flosshilde]]) belong to a group of characters living in a part of nature free from human influence. [[Jörð|Erda]] and the [[Norn]]s are also considered a part of this 'hidden' world.
  
If you brought the nix a treat of three drops of blood, a black animal, some brännvin (Scandinavian [[vodka]]) or [[snus]] (wet [[snuff]]) dropped into the water, he would teach you his enchanting form of music.
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They are first seen in the first work of the Nibelungen cycle, ''[[Das Rheingold]],'' as guardians of the ''Rheingold,'' a treasure of gold hidden in the [[Rhine|Rhein]] river.  The dwarf [[Alberich]], a [[Nibelung]], is eager to win their favor, but they somewhat cruelly dismiss his flattery. They tell him that only one who is unable to [[love]] can win the ''Rheingold.'' Thus, Alberich curses love and steals the ''Rheingold.'' From the stolen [[gold]] he forges a [[ring]] of power. Further on in the cycle, the Rhine maidens are seen trying to regain the ring and transform it back into the harmless ''Rheingold.'' But no one, not even the supreme god [[Wotan]], who uses the ring to pay the giants Fasolt and Fafner for building [[Valhalla]], nor the hero [[Siegfried]], when the maidens appear to him in the third act of ''[[Götterdämmerung]],'' will return the ring to them. Eventually [[Brünnhilde]] returns it to them at the end of the cycle, when the fires of her funeral pyre cleanse the ring of its curse.
  
The nix was also an omen for drowning accidents. He would scream at a particular spot in a lake or river, in a way reminiscent of the [[loon]], and on that spot a fatality would later take place.
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==Artistic Depictions==
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[[Image:Ernst Josephson-Strömkarlen.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|''Strömkarlen'' from 1884 by [[Ernst Josephson]] has formed many modern Swedes' view of Näcken.]]
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[[Image:Noekken_01c.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|In Norway, [[Theodor Kittelsen]]'s ''Nøkken'' from 1904 is equally famous.]]
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Like other mythological creatures, Nixie have often been depicted by artists. During the [[Romantic Art Period|Romantic period]], [[faerie]]s and [[sprite]]s became very popular subject matters, and in Germany and Scandinavia, water spirits were often painted. [[Moritz von Schwind]] and [[Ludwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld]] were two German artists who painted many depictions of faeries and Nixie. Irish artist [[Daniel Maclise]] painted one of the most famous depictions of water spirits, ''Scene from Undine'' (1843), which depicted the tribulations of the nix Undine.<ref>Richard A. Schindler, [http://www.victorianweb.org/painting/fairy/ras2.html "Fairy Painting in the Romantic Era"](1997) Retrieved August 17, 2007 </ref>
  
In the later Romantic folklore and folklore-inspired stories of the 19th century, the nix sings about his loneliness and his longing for salvation, which he purportedly never shall receive, as he is not "a child of God."  In a poem by Swedish poet [[Erik Johan Stagnelius|E. J. Stagnelius]], a little boy pities the fate of the nix, and so saves his own life.
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Often these depictions focused on the more benevolent form of Nixie, usually emphasizing the [[beauty]] and allure of such creatures rather than focusing on their potentially malevolent traits. After the Romantic period, depictions of all faerie-like creatures were less common, but in contemporary times, many artists have once again looked upon such subject material for inspiration. Within the faerie art sub-culture, Nixie are sometimes depicted.
  
In Scandinavia, [[Nymphaea alba|water lilies]] are called "nix roses" (''näckrosor/nøkkeroser''). A tale from the forest of [[Tiveden]] relates of how the forest had its unique red waterlilies through the intervention of the nix:
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==Notes==
:At the lake of Fagertärn, there was once a poor fisherman who had a beautiful daughter. The small lake gave little fish and the fisherman had difficulties providing for his little family. One day, as the fisherman was fishing in his little [[Dugout (boat)|dugout]] of oak, he met the Nix, who offered him great catches of fish on the condition that the fisherman gave him his beautiful daughter, the day she was eighteen years old. The desperate fisherman agreed and promised him his daughter. The day the girl was eighteen, she went down to the shore to meet the Nix. The Nix gladly asked her to walk down to his watery abode, but the girl took forth a knife and said that he would never have her alive, stuck the knife into her heart and fell down into the lake, dead. Then, her blood coloured the waterlilies red, and from that day the waterlilies of some of the lake's forests are red (Karlsson 1970:86).
 
  
===Bäckahästen===
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<References/>
 
 
'''Bäckahästen''' (translated as ''the brook horse'') is a [[mythology|mythological]] [[horse]] in [[Scandinavian folklore]]. It has a close parallel in the Scottish [[kelpie]].
 
 
 
[[Image:Noekken.jpg|thumb|right|246px|The Nix as a brook horse by Theodor Kittelsen, a depiction of the Nix as a white horse]]
 
It was often described as a majestic white horse that would appear near rivers, particularly during [[fog|foggy]] weather.  Anyone who climbed onto its back would not be able to get off again.  The horse would then jump into the river, drowning the rider. The brook horse could also be harnessed and made to plough, either because it was trying to trick a person or because the person had tricked the horse into it. The following tale is a good illustration of the brook horse:
 
 
 
:A long time ago, there was a girl who was not only pretty but also big and strong. She worked as a maid on a farm by [http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=58.936672,15.298634&spn=0.080398,0.116927&t=k&hl=enn Lake Hjärtasjön] in southern [[Nerike]]. She was ploughing with the farm's horse on one of the fields by the lake. It was springtime and beautiful weather. The birds chirped and the [[White Wagtail|wagtail]]s flitted in the tracks of the girl and the horse in order to pick worms. [[Image:Theodor Kittelsen Gutt pa hvit hest ver2.jpg|thumb|right|246px|''Gutt på hvit hest'' (Boy on white horse) by the same Kittelsen]] All of a sudden, a horse appeared out of the lake. It was big and beautiful, bright in colour and with large spots on the sides. The horse had a beautiful mane which fluttered in the wind and a tail that trailed on the ground. The horse pranced for the girl to show her how beautiful he was. The girl, however, knew that it was the brook horse and ignored it. Then the brook horse came closer and closer and finally he was so close that he could bite the farm horse in the mane. The girl hit the brook horse with the bridle and cried: "Disappear you scoundrel, or you'll have to plough so you'll never forget it." As soon as she had said this, the brook horse had changed places with the farm horse, and the brook horse started ploughing the field with such speed that soil and stones whirled in its wake, and the girl hung like a mitten from the plough. Faster than the cock crows seven times, the ploughing was finished and the brook horse headed for the lake, dragging both the plough and the girl. But the girl had a piece of steel in her pocket, and she made the [[sign of the cross]].  Immediately she fell down on the ground, and she saw the brook horse disappear into the lake with the plough. She heard a frustrated neighing when the brook horse understood that his trick had failed. Until this day, a deep track can be seen in the field. (Hellström 1985:16)
 
 
 
==Germany==
 
[[Image:DieRheintöchter.jpg|thumb|right|250px|<center>The Rhine maidens<center>]]
 
The German ''Nix'' and ''Nixe'' (and ''Nixie'') are types of river [[merman]] and [[mermaid]] who may lure men to drown, like the Skandavian type, akin to the Celtic [[Melusine]] and similar to the Greek [[Siren]]. The German epic ''[[Nibelungenlied]]'' mentions the Nix in connection with the [[Danube]], as early as 1180 to 1210. 
 
 
 
Nixes in folklore became [[Sprite (creature)|water sprites]]<ref>Grimm 1835:17:11.</ref> who try to lure people into the water. The males can assume many different shapes, including that of a human, fish, and snake. The females are beautiful women with the tail of a fish. When they are in human forms, they can be recognized by the wet hem of their clothes. The Nixes are considered as malignant in some quarters, but as harmless and friendly in others.
 
 
 
By the 19th century Jacob Grimm mentions the nixie to be among the "[[Sprite (creature)|water-sprites]]" who love music, song and dancing, and says "Like the sirens, the nixie by her song draws listening youth to herself, and then into the deep."<ref>Grimm 1835:17:11.</ref> According to Grimm, they can appear human but have the barest hint of animal features: the nix had "a slit ear", and the nixie "a wet skirt". Grimm thinks these could symbolize they are "higher beings" who could [[shapeshift]] to animal form.<ref>Grimm 1835:33:2.</ref>
 
 
 
One famous Nixe of [[German folklore]] was [[Lorelei]]. According to the legend, she sat on the rock at the [[Rhine]] which bears now her name, and distracted fishermen from the dangers of the reefs with the sound of her voice. In Switzerland there is a legend (myth) of a seamaid or Nixe that lived in [[lake Zug]] (the lake is in the Canton of Zug).
 
 
 
[[The Yellow Fairy Book]] by [[Andrew Lang]] includes a story called "[[The Nixie of the Mill-Pond]]" in which a malevalent spirit that lives in a mill pond strikes a deal with the miller that she will restore his wealth in exchange for his son.
 
 
 
The legend of [[Heer Halewijn]] a dangerous lord who lures women with a magic song to death, may have originated with the Nix.
 
 
 
===Rhine maidens===
 
[[Image:Ring64.jpg|thumb|right|250px|<center>The Rhine maidens<center>]]
 
{{seealso|Lorelei}}
 
Alternate names(kennings) for the female German Nixe are Rhine maidens ([[German language|German]]: ''Rheintöchter'') and [[Lorelei]].
 
 
 
In a fictional depiction, the '''Rhine maidens''' are among the [[protagonist]]s in the four-part Opera ''[[Der Ring des Nibelungen]]'' by the composer [[Richard Wagner]], based loosely on the nix of the ''Nibelungenlied''.
 
 
 
The Rhine maidens [[Wellgunde]], [[Woglinde]], and [[Floßhilde]] ([[Flosshilde]]) belong to a group of characters living in a part of nature free from human influence.  [[Jörð|Erda]] and the [[Norns]] are also considered a part of this 'hidden' world.
 
 
 
They are first seen in the first work of the Nibelungen cycle, ''[[Das Rheingold]]'', as guardians of the ''Rheingold'', a treasure of gold hidden in the [[Rhine|Rhein]] river.  The dwarf [[Alberich]], a [[Nibelung]], is eager to win their favour, but they somewhat cruelly dismiss his flattery.  They tell him that only one who is unable to love can win the ''Rheingold''.  Thus, Alberich curses love and steals the ''Rheingold''.  From the stolen gold he forges a [[ring]] of power.
 
 
 
Further on in the cycle, the Rhine maidens are seen trying to regain the ring and transform it back into the harmless ''Rheingold''. But no one, not even the supreme god [[Wotan]], who uses the ring to pay the giants Fasolt and Fafner for building [[Valhalla]], nor the hero [[Siegfried]], when the maidens appear to him in the third act of ''[[Götterdämmerung]]'', will return the ring to them.  Eventually [[Brünnhilde]] returns it to them at the end of the cycle, when the fires of her funeral pyre cleanse the ring of its curse.
 
 
 
==See also==
 
{{wiktionarypar|nix|Nix}}
 
*[[Huldra]]
 
*[[Kelpie]]
 
*[[Kappa (folklore)|Kappa]]
 
*[[List of fictional humanoid species]]
 
*[[Naiad]]
 
*[[Näkki]]
 
*[[Nyx (mythology)|Nyx]]
 
*[[Nymph]]
 
*[[Rusalka]]
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
 
  
==External links==
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*Child, James Francis. 2002. ''The English and Scottish Popular Ballads''. Loomis House Press. ISBN 0970702027
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*Dubois, Pierre, Claudine Sabatier, and Roland Sabatier. 2000. ''The Great Encyclopedia Of Faeries''. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0684869578
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*Grimm, Jacob. 1835. ''Deutsche Mythologie'' (German Mythology); From English released version ''Grimm's Teutonic Mythology'' [1888] 2000. Routledge. ISBN 0415221080 Available online by Northvegr © 2004-2007: [http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/017_11.php Chapter 17, page 11]; [http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/03302.php Chapter 33, page 2]. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
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*Grimm, Jacob ''Grimm's Teutonic Mythology'' Kessinger Publishing, (August 2003) ISBN 0766177424 ISBN 9780766177420 (in English)
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*Hellström, AnneMarie. 1985. ''Jag vill så gärna berätta… ''
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*Karlsson, S. 1970. ''I Tiveden.'' Reflex, Mariestad.
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*Keightley, Thomas. [1870] 2007. ''The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative Of The Romance And Superstition Of Various Countries.'' Kessinger Publishing, ISBN 9780548117491
 +
*Varner, Gary R. 2007. ''Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings around the World, A Study in Comparative Mythology.'' Algora Publishing. ISBN 0875865453
  
* [http://runeberg.org/nfbt/0176.html "Näck"], an article on Näcken from [[Nordisk Familjebok]].
 
* [http://www.hf.uio.no/iks/ariadne/kulturhistorie/framesettogm.htm?teori_og_metode/teoribruk/nokken.htm A summary] in Norwegian of Jochum Stattin's dissertation ''Näcken : spelman eller gränsvakt?'' (ISBN 91-38-61280-1).
 
* [http://stud.hsh.no/lu/norsk/vidsteen/segner/teoritun/vette/tema14.htm An article] on Nøkken from ''Høgskolen Stord/Haugesund'' in Norwegian, with sources.
 
* [http://www.stagnelius.se/dikter.html Näcken], a poem by Stagnelius (in Swedish).
 
* [http://www.morion.com/morion/wood/english/eng_nacken_stagnelius.html The Watersprite], an amateur translation (no rhyme, no meter) of Stagnelius's poem.
 
* [http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/scrap1/ch04_ln.htm Manxnotebook]
 
* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm056.htm Sacred-Texts.com]
 
* [http://www.ststp.com/Archives/Scandinavian/Folklore/ Scandinavian Folklore]
 
  
 
{{Nuttall}}
 
{{Nuttall}}
  
==References==
+
==External links==
* Grimm, Jacob (1835). ''Deutsche Mythologie'' (German Mythology); From English released version ''Grimm's Teutonic Mythology'' (1888); Available online by Northvegr © 2004-2007: [http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/017_11.php Chapter 17, page 11]; [http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/03302.php Chapter 33, page 2]. File retrieved 06-04-2007.
+
All links retrieved November 15, 2022.
*Hellström, AnneMarie. (1985). ''Jag vill så gärna berätta...''. ISBN 91-7908-002-2
 
*Karlsson, S. (1970). ''I Tiveden'', Reflex, Mariestad.
 
*Haunted, Kelly Armstrong <!--incomplete source. year, publisher please.—>
 
 
 
  
 +
*[http://runeberg.org/nfbt/0176.html "Näck"], an article on Näcken from Nordisk Familjebok.
 +
*[http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/tfm091.htm Nixes] ''Sacred Texts''
 +
*[http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/scrap1/ch04_ln.htm The Parish of Lonan] ''A Manx Scrapbook''
 +
*[http://www.morion.com/morion/wood/english/eng_nacken_stagnelius.html The Watersprite], an amateur translation (no rhyme, no meter) of Stagnelius's poem.
  
 
{{Credits|Nix|141865119|}}
 
{{Credits|Nix|141865119|}}

Latest revision as of 09:56, 11 March 2023

The Rhine maidens and Sigfried, by Arthur Rackham.

The Nix (Nixie plural) is the most popular term for the shapeshifting water spirits of Germanic and Nordic folklore. Often times these mythical creatures appear as humans, and are sometimes linked with such similar creatures as the Greek Sirens or the European Mermaids; however, more often than not they are closer to nymphs or sprites in both demeanor and appearance.

The Nix may take different forms, but their message is one of warning of impending death by drowning. Water spirits (or deities) the Nixie cannot live happily far from water. They entice their human victims to join them through song or music, luring them into the water from which there is no escape only death. The lesson from the tales of the Nix is clearly to avoid temptation, especially one that is supernaturally attractive, and stay safe on the land that is our home.

Etymology

The term Nix comes from the Old High German Nichus, which became nickes or niches in Middle High German before finally becoming Nix in Modern German. The term Nicker, more than likely is a variation of both the German variations as well as the Nordic ones: nyker in Old Norwegian, nykur in Icelandic, nok in Danish and finally, Neck in Swedish.[1]

The differences in the terms are subtle. While Nix and its variations translate simply as "water elf," Nicker and its roots are more commonly described as "An imaginary being supposed to live in the water; a water demon, kelpie or river horse." [2]The differences in terms suggestions the more narrowed defined Germanic version of Nix, while the Scandinavian forms of the creature are more broad in scope.

Origin

It is difficult to determine the exact origin of the Nix, particularly since it first appears in oral folklore. However, there are a few theories that possess some merit. Many folklorists and anthropologists have noted that water-spirit stories from around the world share such similarities that they may in fact be derivative from a common origin, namely the ancient belief in a water goddess or deity. It was common in ancient Pagan cultures to attribute deities to the forces of nature, water being one of the most significant to human survival. With the advancement of civilization and society, these pagan beliefs were transmuted in the form of local oral tradition; hence the single belief in a water deity became disseminated over different geographical areas. Often times, these beliefs were incorporated into already existing belief structures, and therefore the supreme sea goddess was demoted to a supernatural being of lesser powers, sometimes a trickster or natural spirit. It is possible that the Nix comes from such a process.[3]

Due to the similarities with faeries and nymphs, it is also possible that the Nix shares a common origin with both. Nymphs derived from the Greek belief in nature spirits that not only inhabited certain natural settings (such as woods and lakes), but they were symbiotic with nature and were responsible for its health and well being. Faeries were also considered spirits of nature, but were not so integrally connected to the well being of plants and animals. Often they were supernatural beings that interacted with humans, either for their own amusement or the betterment of humankind.

Mythology

Scandinavia

Nils Blommér's the Nix and Ægir's daughters makes the Nix of Scandinavian folklore meet the Nixes of Scandinavian mythology.

The Scandinavian näcken, nøkken, strömkarlen,[4] Grim or Fosse-Grim were male water spirits who played enchanted songs on the violin, luring women and children to drown in lakes or streams. The enthralling music of the Nix was most dangerous to women and children, especially pregnant women and unbaptized children. They were thought to be most active during Midsummer's Night, on Christmas Eve and on Thursdays. When malicious Nixie attempted to carry off people, they could be defeated by calling their name; this, in fact, would be the death of them. The nix was also an omen for drowning accidents. He would scream at a particular spot in a lake or river, in a way reminiscent of the loon, and on that spot a fatality would later take place.[5]

However, many of these superstitions were developed after the Christianizing of the Northern countries, as were similar stories of faeries and other entities in other areas. Hence, not all of these spirits were necessarily malevolent; in fact, many stories exist that indicate at the very least that Fossegrim were entirely harmless to their audience and attracted not only women and children, but men as well with their sweet songs. Stories also exist wherein the Fossegrim agreed to live with a human who had fallen in love with him, but many of these stories ended with the Fossegrim returning to his home, usually a nearby waterfall or brook. Fossegrim are said to grow despondent if they do not have free, regular contact with a water source.

A painting of Näcken by Johan Tirén.

It is difficult to describe the actual appearance of the Nix, as one of its central attributes was thought to be shapeshifting. Perhaps he did not have any true shape. He could show himself as a man playing the violin in brooks and waterfalls (though often imagined as fair and naked today, in actual folklore he was more frequently wearing more or less elegant clothing) but also could appear to be treasure or various floating objects or as an animal—most commonly in the form of a "brook horse." Fossegrim and derivatives were almost always portrayed as especially beautiful young men, whose clothing (or lack thereof) varied widely from story to story.

The Nix as a brook horse by Theodor Kittelsen, a depiction of the Nix as a white horse

Bäckahästen (translated as the brook horse) is a mythological horse in Scandinavian folklore. If properly approached, and if you brought the Nix a treat of three drops of blood, a black animal, some brännvin (Scandinavian vodka) or ''snus'' (wet snuff) dropped into the water, he would teach a musician to play so adeptly "that the trees dance and waterfalls stop at his music."[6] It has a close parallel in the Scottish kelpie. It was often described as a majestic white horse that would appear near rivers, particularly during foggy weather. Anyone who climbed onto its back would not be able to get off again. The horse would then jump into the river, drowning the rider. The brook horse could also be harnessed and made to plow, either because it was trying to trick a person or because the person had tricked the horse into it.

Germany

The Rhine maidens

In the nineteenth century, Nixie in Germanic folklore were considered water sprites who tried to lure people into the water. The males could assume many different shapes, including that of a human, fish, or snake. The females were beautiful women with the tail of a fish. When in human forms, they could be recognized by the wet hem of their clothes. The Nixie are considered as malignant in some quarters, but as harmless and friendly in others.[7]

There were many famous Nixie in Germanic folklore. One famous Nix was Lorelei. According to legend, she sat on the rock at the Rhine which now bears her name, and distracted fishermen from the dangers of the reefs with the sound of her voice. In Switzerland there is a legend (myth) of a seamaid or Nix that lived in Lake Zug (the lake is in the Canton of Zug). The legend of Heer Halewijn a dangerous lord who lures women with a magic song to death, may have originated with the Nix.

In a fictional depiction, the Rhine maidens are among the protagonists in the four-part Opera Der Ring des Nibelungen by the composer Richard Wagner, based loosely on the Nix of the Nibelungenlied. The Rhine maidens Wellgunde, Woglinde, and Floßhilde (Flosshilde) belong to a group of characters living in a part of nature free from human influence. Erda and the Norns are also considered a part of this 'hidden' world.

They are first seen in the first work of the Nibelungen cycle, Das Rheingold, as guardians of the Rheingold, a treasure of gold hidden in the Rhein river. The dwarf Alberich, a Nibelung, is eager to win their favor, but they somewhat cruelly dismiss his flattery. They tell him that only one who is unable to love can win the Rheingold. Thus, Alberich curses love and steals the Rheingold. From the stolen gold he forges a ring of power. Further on in the cycle, the Rhine maidens are seen trying to regain the ring and transform it back into the harmless Rheingold. But no one, not even the supreme god Wotan, who uses the ring to pay the giants Fasolt and Fafner for building Valhalla, nor the hero Siegfried, when the maidens appear to him in the third act of Götterdämmerung, will return the ring to them. Eventually Brünnhilde returns it to them at the end of the cycle, when the fires of her funeral pyre cleanse the ring of its curse.

Artistic Depictions

Strömkarlen from 1884 by Ernst Josephson has formed many modern Swedes' view of Näcken.
In Norway, Theodor Kittelsen's Nøkken from 1904 is equally famous.

Like other mythological creatures, Nixie have often been depicted by artists. During the Romantic period, faeries and sprites became very popular subject matters, and in Germany and Scandinavia, water spirits were often painted. Moritz von Schwind and Ludwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld were two German artists who painted many depictions of faeries and Nixie. Irish artist Daniel Maclise painted one of the most famous depictions of water spirits, Scene from Undine (1843), which depicted the tribulations of the nix Undine.[8]

Often these depictions focused on the more benevolent form of Nixie, usually emphasizing the beauty and allure of such creatures rather than focusing on their potentially malevolent traits. After the Romantic period, depictions of all faerie-like creatures were less common, but in contemporary times, many artists have once again looked upon such subject material for inspiration. Within the faerie art sub-culture, Nixie are sometimes depicted.

Notes

  1. Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford Press, 1971) ISBN 019861117X
  2. Ibid.
  3. Gary R. Varner, "Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings around the World, A Study in Comparative Mythology." (Algora Publishing, 2007) ISBN 0875865453
  4. Jacob Grimm, Teutonic Mythology (London: Routledge, 1999) ISBN 0415221080
  5. James Francis Child, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads, Vol. 1, 2nd edition, (Loomis House Press, 2002) ISBN 0970702027
  6. Thomas Keightley, "The Fairy Mythology" (1870)
  7. Grimm
  8. Richard A. Schindler, "Fairy Painting in the Romantic Era"(1997) Retrieved August 17, 2007

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Child, James Francis. 2002. The English and Scottish Popular Ballads. Loomis House Press. ISBN 0970702027
  • Dubois, Pierre, Claudine Sabatier, and Roland Sabatier. 2000. The Great Encyclopedia Of Faeries. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0684869578
  • Grimm, Jacob. 1835. Deutsche Mythologie (German Mythology); From English released version Grimm's Teutonic Mythology [1888] 2000. Routledge. ISBN 0415221080 Available online by Northvegr © 2004-2007: Chapter 17, page 11; Chapter 33, page 2. Retrieved July 4, 2007.
  • Grimm, Jacob Grimm's Teutonic Mythology Kessinger Publishing, (August 2003) ISBN 0766177424 ISBN 9780766177420 (in English)
  • Hellström, AnneMarie. 1985. Jag vill så gärna berätta…
  • Karlsson, S. 1970. I Tiveden. Reflex, Mariestad.
  • Keightley, Thomas. [1870] 2007. The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative Of The Romance And Superstition Of Various Countries. Kessinger Publishing, ISBN 9780548117491
  • Varner, Gary R. 2007. Creatures in the Mist: Little People, Wild Men and Spirit Beings around the World, A Study in Comparative Mythology. Algora Publishing. ISBN 0875865453


This article incorporates text from the public domain 1907 edition of The Nuttall Encyclopædia.


External links

All links retrieved November 15, 2022.

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