Undine

Undine (EWN-dee-nuh) is a captivating water spirit, the daughter of a Mediterranean water prince, who was raised by a poor fisherman and his wife. She appeared mysteriously as a young child of three or four at the fisherman's cottage, coinciding with the disappearance of their biological daughter. As an adult, Undine is strikingly beautiful yet exhibits a rebellious, mischievous nature, marked by her capricious temperament. Her jealousy becomes evident when Huldbrand, her future husband, mentions Bertalda in recounting his adventures, prompting her to bite him in a fit of jealousy.

Once Undine marries Huldbrand and the priest encourages her to harmonize her soul with his, she transforms into a devoted, compliant wife. Her magnanimity shines through as she consents to allow the rejected Bertalda to reside at Ringstetten with them. However, during a journey down the Danube, an altercation with Huldbrand, who accuses her of being a sorceress, causes her to vanish into the water. Despite the rupture, Undine returns to embrace Huldbrand on the eve of his marriage to Bertalda, leading him to his demise. In a poignant act of eternal love, she metamorphoses into a spring, enveloping his grave in a perpetual embrace.

Sir Huldbrand von Ringstetten

Sir Huldbrand von Ringstetten (HEWLD-brahnd fon RIHNG-sta-tan) is depicted as a knight of substantial wealth and striking appearance, embodying all knightly virtues except for steadfastness in love. Despite a warning against marrying Bertalda, he proceeds with the union. Huldbrand's inability to remain true to Undine leads to his fate, as his spirit wife, liberated from the fountain, ultimately claims him eternally.

Kuhleborn

Kuhleborn (KEW-luh-bohrn), Undine’s uncle and a fellow water spirit, often manifests to mortals as a towering figure clad in a white mantle or adopts various other guises. He plays a pivotal role by cautioning Huldbrand to safeguard Undine and divulging the truth behind Bertalda's origins. Kuhleborn frequently injects himself into the lives of Undine, Huldbrand, and Bertalda, causing mischief and disruption.

Bertalda

Bertalda (bahr-TAHL-dah) stands as a figure of beauty intertwined with haughtiness. Loved by Huldbrand, she is raised as the foster daughter of an influential duke and duchess, yet her origins are rooted in humbler beginnings as the biological daughter of Undine’s foster parents, who lost her before Undine's arrival. Bertalda's discovery of her true heritage leaves her shocked and incensed, and although her foster parents’ rejection instills some humility, her pride occasionally resurfaces.

Father Heilmann

Father Heilmann (HIL-mahn) is the venerable priest responsible for the matrimony of Undine and Huldbrand. His role extends to refusing to officiate the wedding between Huldbrand and Bertalda and later administering Huldbrand’s burial rites, underscoring his integral presence in the narrative’s pivotal events.