Melusine by Charlotte Franken Haldane
Melusine is a prominent figure in a narrative centered around themes of power, deception, and tragedy. The story unfolds in the realm of Poitiers, where Emery, the Earl, is influenced by Owain Wanderer, a philosopher and leader of a secret cult. The plot escalates as Emery invites his brother-in-law Henry for a celebration, leading to a series of manipulative events orchestrated by Owain that result in the deaths of key characters and the rise of Raymond as the new earl.
Melusine, introduced as the high priestess of the cult, develops a complex relationship with Raymond, eventually marrying him and bearing him eight sons. However, her devotion to the cult's rituals wanes, leading to a dark encounter with Owain, which results in the birth of Geffray, a son whose rebellious nature starkly contrasts with his brothers. Geffray's defiance against authority and tradition culminates in violent acts that have profound consequences for the family and the realm.
Ultimately, the narrative concludes with Melusine's tragic leap into the moat, symbolizing her despair and the disintegration of her life with Raymond. As Geffray claims his place and restores peace, Melusine's fate intertwines with Owain until his death, leaving a legacy marked by loss and the complex interplay of loyalty, ambition, and the quest for power.
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Melusine
First published: 1936
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—high fantasy
Time of work: 1166
Locale: France
The Plot
Emery, Earl of Poitiers, is urged by castle wise man and philosopher Owain Wanderer to invite his brother-in-law, Henry, to his realm for a celebration. Owain is the head of a secret cult that outwardly worships the devil but seeks to restore a more humanistic philosophy of government and religion to a land oppressed by corruption and taxation. The long-term political aims of this cult include manipulating the earldom of Poitiers to ensure the succession of someone sympathetic to its aims.
Henry brings his sons to the celebration. Raymond, the youngest, captivates everyone with his charm, intelligence, and good looks. Within days, Raymond is adopted by his uncle Emery and becomes good friends with Bertrand, Emery’s only son and heir. Owain convinces Emery that Raymond is his true successor and that the transfer of power must be symbolic, according to the old forms. Emery and Raymond go on a boar hunt, during which Raymond accidentally kills Emery. Unbeknown to Raymond, Emery has arranged the killing, acquiescing to his own murder. Bertrand succeeds to the earldom, and Raymond requests of his cousin the land surrounding the cave where the cult holds its secret ceremonies. There he meets Melusine, high priestess of the cult, who has been brought there to seduce Raymond but who eventually falls in love with him. The castle of Lusignan is built next to the cave, where Melusine conducts services each Saturday evening. Owain arranges for Bertrand to be poisoned, and Raymond becomes earl. Owain, his plans brought to fruition, leaves the country to scout other areas of the world that he might be able to control.
Melusine and Raymond rear eight sons. Owain arranges for the three oldest sons to seek their fortunes in distant lands, where they marry female heirs to three different thrones. As the years pass, Melusine becomes enamored of the Christian faith and discontinues her weekly rituals. When informed of her lapsed ways, Owain returns and forces her to hold another ceremony. He rapes her on the high altar, conceiving a son, Geffray. Geffray is wholly unlike his brothers: unruly, disrespectful, independent, courageous, and rash. He establishes himself as a mighty warrior, putting down rebellious lords and conquering enemies in several different lands. His hatred for religion of all kinds is evident; learning that his younger brother has become a monk, he burns the abbey and all of its members, including his kin.
Geffray’s actions have far-reaching consequences. He flees to Albany, where Owain greets him as his son and tells him of his destiny. Raymond renounces both his son and his wife, forcing Melusine to leave. Instead, she plunges from a high window into the moat far below. Her action destroys Raymond. Geffray returns to claim his lands, and Raymond retires to a hermit’s life in Spain. Geffray restores peace to the land, and Melusine, who survives her leap, returns to Owain and lives with him until his death.