ENCANTADA DE L'AIGUA
Also named: Goja, Dones de l'aigua, Patida (Water-women, Water-fairies)
Encantada de l'aigua (There is no real translation to what a 'Encantada' means, however faeries and women like beings is the best description of what it is) is a special kind of water creature that is unique to the Catalan countries, it is a nocturnal feminine being of oneiric beauty, that live in fresh water springs, fountains, wells or lakes. They are said not to be immortal, but they can live for thousands of years and maintain their beauty and youth.
DISTRIBUTION
They are able to shipshape from the form of physical water to a woman like body and in times of need they can also turn into a form of a blackbird made of black water that can fly away. They are said to appear like small and innocent women with a high self-esteem and very prideful of their beauty. Encantada's symbolize the fertility and life-giving virtues of water.
They are said to normally have shimmering gold or red hair, with emerald or deep blue eyes. Most of them are in the nude, but some do wear fine, rich clothes and enjoy spending time admiring their own reflections in their water on a full-moon nights. They also possess beautiful wings of various colours and shapes. Some carry a magic wand carved from hazel tree wood, which is the only wood that can cast spells suited to their own powers.
They are said to normally have shimmering gold or red hair, with emerald or deep blue eyes. Most of them are in the nude, but some do wear fine, rich clothes and enjoy spending time admiring their own reflections in their water on a full-moon nights. They also possess beautiful wings of various colours and shapes. Some carry a magic wand carved from hazel tree wood, which is the only wood that can cast spells suited to their own powers.
PERSONALITY
These creatures are good souls, they wish nothing more than to bring wealth and well-being to the areas they live in. however they hate having intruders wonder into their realms, being spied on or taken advantage of their good nature. Which is why it is said that fresh water resources that mysteriously start to boil is due to its 'Encantada' being furious, normally due to a stranger entering their realm. Which is why you should imminently leave, especially if you are a child, for they will drag you into the depth of the water and drown you.
examples
The most famous 'Encantada' that drowns her victims is one named Maria Enganxa, (Literal translation Mary Catches) who lives in many wells from Mallorca. According to tradition, she lives inside all the wells and cisterns and drags all the children that pass near them with her wand that is shaped as a hook.
Relations with humans
There are many legends about romance and marriage between humans and 'Encantada'. However for a human to marry a 'Encantada', they must agree to the terms and conditions she gives to them. Normally consisting that the spouse cannot reveal that their wife is a 'Encantada'. If he does, she will leave him and disappear with his fortune into the depth of the waters forever. However, they will never abandon their own children and will always return to comb and dress up their beloved offspring.
These causes of marriage and love between humans and 'Encantada' are quiet rare for these mythical beings hate human contact and avoid them at all cost. However if a human does meet a 'Encantada' it often turns out badly for the humans.
These causes of marriage and love between humans and 'Encantada' are quiet rare for these mythical beings hate human contact and avoid them at all cost. However if a human does meet a 'Encantada' it often turns out badly for the humans.
Written by Lady Grey ©