Melusina of Luxembourg

According to the legend, Melusina is a water spirit or mermaid with a significant role in the history of Luxembourg. The origins of the Melusina legend can be traced back to medieval times.

The story goes that Melusina was a beautiful maiden with a secret. Whenever she took a bath or immersed herself in water, her legs transformed into a fish-like tail. Melusina fell in love with a mortal nobleman, the Count Siegfried of Luxembourg. They eventually married, but Melusina made her husband promise that he would never enter her chamber when she was bathing, as it was during this time that she transformed into her  true mermaid form.

For many years, Melusina and Count Siegfried lived happily together and had numerous children. However, one day, out of curiosity or suspicion, Count Siegfried broke his promise and secretly watched Melusina as she bathed. To his shock, he discovered her transformation into a mermaid and expressed his surprise to her.  Melusina was filled with anguish and sadness.  She escaped and was never seen again.

The legend of Melusina is closely associated with the House of Luxembourg, a prominent European noble family. The story is often interpreted as a symbol of the family's rise and fall throughout history. The House of Luxembourg played a significant role in the medieval period, producing several Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of Bohemia.

It is important to note that variations of the Melusina legend exist in different European cultures. The tale of a mermaid-like creature with a mysterious secret can be found in French, German, and other regional folklore as well. In the case of Luxembourg, the legend of Melusina became particularly prominent and is intertwined with the country's history and identity. It has been passed down through generations, evolving and capturing the imagination of the people.

Significantly, Melusina's role as the mother of a noble house with royalty in the family tree, she was sometimes portrayed with a royal crown - which has carried forward all the way to the crown in the Starbucks logo.