lorelei
Definition
Noun: 1. A Siren of German legend: Lorelei is a figure from German folklore, specifically a beautiful maiden or siren said to sit on a rock of the same name on the eastern bank of the Rhine River. According to the legend, she lures boatmen to their destruction with her enchanting song and appearance, causing them to crash against the rocks.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The poet Heinrich Heine famously wrote a poem about the Lorelei and her fatal song.
- Sailors feared passing the rock, believing the Lorelei would enchant them.
- The legend of the Lorelei is a classic example of a siren myth in European folklore.
Advanced Usage
- As a symbol: The name "Lorelei" is often used metaphorically to describe a dangerously seductive or alluring woman.
- She was the Lorelei of the office, captivating everyone with her charm.
Variants and Related Words
- Lorelei Rock (Proper Noun): The actual rock formation on the Rhine River associated with the legend.
- Siren (Noun): A general term from Greek mythology for a creature, often part-woman, part-bird, whose singing lures sailors to shipwreck. Lorelei is a Germanic equivalent.
Synonyms
- Siren
- Enchantress
- Temptress (in the metaphorical sense)
Related Idioms
- To have a Lorelei's voice: To possess a voice of captivating and potentially dangerous beauty.
- The singer had a Lorelei's voice, holding the entire audience spellbound.
Noun
-
a Siren of German legend who lured boatmen in the Rhine to destruction
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