Vouivres are mysterious serpentine spirits, The most famous may be Melusine. Many Vouivres may be guardians of Earth’s treasures. In addition, their presence radiates fertility, which may be transmitted to people, animals, land, and water. Places associated with Vouivres, at least in France, tend to have names that end in -is or -es, such as Paris or Troyes. Is may be a pre-Celtic word for the Vouivre. Vouivres are major sources of fascination for modern researchers because sites historically associated with them are also associated with fault lines, ley lines, underground streams, veins of metal, and telluric currents. These subterranean currents, whether water, electric, or metaphysical, allegedly create conditions conducive to shamanic or visionary experiences. Adding to the fascination, sites historically associated with Vouivres are also often centers of Black Madonna veneration. What does this mean? No one really knows, but it makes for interesting speculation and debate. The 1989 French film La Vouivre takes its plot from the novel of the same name by Marcel Aymé.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Wouivre
ORIGIN:
French
MANIFESTATION:
Vouivres take many forms:
• As winged serpents (their wings resemble those of bats)
• As dragons
• As snake-human hybrids, possibly winged: serpentine below the waist, human above
• As beautiful women
SEE ALSO:
- Black Madonna
- Melusine
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.