Our Lora Lei is named for the Siren of German folklore who sat upon a large rocky peak along the Eastern shore of the Rhine River. Described as an unmatched beauty, clothed in white wearing a crown of stars and wrapped in light, Lora Lei entranced sailor with both her appearance and haunting songs. It was said that Lora Lei was so enchanting that not only did she claim the lives of sailors who tried to approach her, but even those who wisely remained on board their ships would be so distracted by her that they would sail straight into the rocky shore.
As the legend goes, after claiming the lives of many men, Lora Lei ensnared the son of a powerful prince. When his son’s body washed ashore, the enraged prince sent an army after Lora Lei through the mountains to the peak on which she sat, with the intention of throwing her into the water to suffer the same fate as his son. When the army approached, Lora Lei laughed at their plan, removed her pearl necklace, and threw it into the water calling for the sea to carry her away. At her command, the water foamed up to her peak and formed a chariot, in which Lora Lei was carried away.
After her departure, sailors continued to hear Lora Lei’s song quietly echoing on the water, and they still looked up to that rocky peak each time they passed by with both fear and curiosity, wondering if they would see that Lora Lei had returned.
While our Lora Lei’s similarities with the mythical siren end with their individual beauty, the tale is still fun to recount. A translation of The Lorelei, a German poem that recounts her life, is included below so that next time you sail with us, you understand the history of Lora’s name a little bit more.
The Lorelei
Translated by A.Z. Foreman
I know not if there is a reason
Why I am so sad at heart.
A legend of bygone ages
Haunts me and will not depart.
The air is cool under nightfall.
The calm Rhine courses its way.
The peak of the mountain is sparkling
With evening’s final ray.
The fairest of maidens is sitting
Unwittingly wondrous up there,
Her golden jewels are shining,
She’s combing her golden hair.
The comb she holds is golden,
She sings a song as well
Whose melody binds an enthralling
And overpowering spell.
In his little boat, the boatman
Is seized with a savage woe,
He’d rather look up at the mountain
Than down at the rocks below.
I think that the waves will devour
The boatman and boat as one;
And this by her song’s sheer power
Fair Lorelei has done.
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