The ondine of Lake Ubales inhabits the Redes Natural Park
In the heart of the Redes Natural Park lies Lake Ubales, a glacial pool that not only captures the image of the Asturian mountains but also an ethereal tale of love. Popular belief holds that an ondine, a female spirit linked to the waters, resides in its depths. Her essence merges with the surroundings and the local folklore, defining the mystical character of the site 🌊.
The eternal lament rising from the water
Oral tradition recounts how this aquatic being fell deeply in love with a shepherd from the region. This bond, doomed by belonging to opposing realities, could never be consummated. As a result, on summer nights, a melody laden with sadness rises from the lake. Witnesses who claim to hear it speak of a pure and sorrowful voice that glides over the liquid element and echoes against the slopes, impregnating the entire valley with a sense of loss.
Key elements of the legend:- Origin: An impossible love between an aquatic entity and a mortal human.
- Manifestation: A melancholic song heard during the warmest times of the year.
- Testimonies: Descriptions of a crystalline voice that floats and echoes in the mountainous landscape.
The story of the ondine is not just a tale; it is the ancient voice of the mountains and waters of Caso.
A narrative that gives meaning to the landscape
This tale transcends mere fantasy. It functions as a cultural mechanism to interpret environmental events, such as echoes between the peaks or the sun's reflections on the lake at dusk. The fable of the ondine is passed from grandparents to grandchildren, enriching the identity of the communities in the Caso municipality. The lake itself, with its icy waters and pristine nature, provides the perfect setting for this myth to retain its power and continue fascinating everyone.
Functions of the myth today:- Explain: Offers an interpretation for natural auditory and visual phenomena.
- Transmit: Connects generations through oral narration.
- Preserve: Keeps alive the emotional connection between people and their territory.
The echo of the legend in the present
The relevance of this tradition is such that it is even joked, with a touch of humor, that some contemporary shepherds wear noise-canceling headphones during their night watches, guarding against the entity deciding to practice her repertoire. This modern detail underscores how the legend adapts and remains a living and relevant component of Asturian intangible heritage, where the natural and the supernatural intertwine forever 🏞️.