Over the course of our class and readings, we have discussed the control Sirens have been said to have over mankind, the power that creates sin and abandonment of morale. In the story of Melusine, after Raymondin’s betrayal, he says to her, “Yes, serpent always…you are only a phantom, and so is your fruit…you have dragged me down in your fall and I am lost.” (The Romance of the Faery Melusine, pg. 139) Raymondin blames Melusine for his transgressions and fall from his faith, the kingdom of God, yet he himself is to blame for his own actions, betraying her trust and seeking her out when she had asked him not to. Melusine is blamed for an outcome she did not cause, simply because of her nature being unwillingly discovered.
In many other forms of Siren/Mermaida media, a man’s temptation or fall from grace is placed purely on the shoulders of the woman figurehead. It is within their femininity and lustfulness that men are to be captured and deceived. The time period of this story reflects these views withheld by the church, the siren used as weaponry over manhood’s relation to God.
Melusine reflects the struggle faced by the woman of her time, the past, and even present day. The woman is portrayed as a beast, a negative power given too much liberty over herself, causing destruction and chaos if allowed to live within her own identity. Her deceitfulness caused such anguish and hurt within her marriage, demonstrating the downfall of femininity in control. Yet – it was Raymondin who decided to force ahead with his suspicions and desires. He is the one who broke the trust and sacredness in their marriage. The audience was made to feel sorry for him, empathetic towards the loss of his love.
The story of Melusine is not just a simple tale about the betrayal and mistrust between a man and wife. A husband and his serpent lover. It describes the wickedness possessed by secrecy and false fruitfulness of womanhood. The dangers these “monsters” impose upon good men of faith, being held responsible for mankind’s regrettable decisions. And yet – Melusine was the one forced to forgive Raymondin’s anger, no right placed upon her to fault him in his breach of oath he entrusted to her.