In my previous post, the last, rather strange image evoked mild response, with some of us curious to find out more. I posted the image on a Venetian group page on Facebook, with a plea for any information that could be provided. Many people responded, and I can now tell you a bit about this unusual creature and her offspring.
She is a depiction of Melusina (also spelt Melusine), a spirit of fresh water in a sacred spring or river. She is usually shown as a woman who is a serpent or fish from the waist down, sometimes with two tails. If you like myths, follow this link to find out more about this spirit. melusine Melusina was one of a set of triplets, by the way. There were a few suggestions about the two half human, half goat infants suckling, but no one came up with a suggestion I felt was useful to the discussion.
One of the people on Facebook mentioned that Starbuck’s logo features Melusina! Sure enough, when I did an online search, there she was in her two-tailed glory. By 1992, the image had been modified to omit this characteristic. But, just look at the 1971 version … that’s our lass for sure. You can read the history of this logo here: starbucks
You just never know where a topic or comment will lead you!
Hello World 
Very interesting, thanks very much, Yvonne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really enjoy this sort of research, it’s so far from my everyday life! Venice was a goldmine for an explorer.
LikeLike
This is so fun to know the history of the logo – 🙂 i like the early brown one the most – but hey – looks like they found their branding
LikeLiked by 1 person
Several years ago I read Possession by AS Byatt-which was also made into a movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow. It is one of those stories which flips back and forth from the present and the past. Melusina/Melusine is mentioned throughout the book and is the topic of one of the characters’ research and poetry. I think she represented repressed sexuality in Victorian England or something like that, as it fits into the backstory. Interesting stuff! Ciao, Cristina
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t even remember how I stumbled across the information that linked to the image to Melusina. It was so interesting to trace her to Starbucks!
LikeLiked by 2 people
May I ask you where you found this sculpture? I am writing my second book on the Italian double tailed mermaid, and avery curious about her presence in Venice…
LikeLike
I regret that I didn’t make note of the palazzo where I saw this sculpture. If you scroll down in these comments, Bert has provided a link to information about the connection between Melusina and Venice.
LikeLike
Nice art & Design work.
LikeLike
Now, are you referring to the ancient image Ifound, or the more recent ones? I quite liked the original Starbucks logo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate Starbucks. I wonder what connection Starbucks thinks of itself to use that symbol? When I think of all that wonderful coffee you get in Venice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Click on the link in the post to read the history of the connection between a siren and Starbucks coffee. Basically “The symbolism of the mermaid siren was not intended to suggest the demise of the customers who bought the coffee, but rather, to represent the irresistible and seductive quality of the coffee itself.” Liberties were taken I think. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A bit fishy – obviously some designer was more interested in a trendy logo than a proper symbol, mermaids and coffee beans don’t really connect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very interesting. I’ll bet Melusina was a fascinating being to meet. She sounds like a lady with a tail or two.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nyuk, nyuk, with a groan thrown in.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The groan is very well deserved, I regret to say. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right Yvonne , Comments lead us to various topics asking researches and discoveries.
Until then I heard of the fairy Melusine whom French writers wrote about in the Middle Age but probably imported by the Romans when they invaded the Gaul .
Thanks help us to learn more 🙂
Love ❤
Michel….
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome. It was fun to find out some new information. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating Yvonne!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love it when a post leads to another story entirely, Denzil.
LikeLike
If you look on this page: http://www.venessia.com/leggenderaccolta1.htm and scroll down or search for ‘melusina’ you will find a Venice connection. If you go down a bit further (the 6th match) you will get an English translation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that, Bert.
LikeLike
I had read that in Alberto Toso Fei’s book. Bert, some years ago, and had completely forgotten it. Thank you for refreshing my memory!
LikeLike
Now that is fascinating! One of the things I love about blogging is the information that comes from other readers. Often I think the only reason people come to my blog is to catch up with each other and read the comments. Love that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love it when the comments section takes on a life of its own and leads us to unexpected outcomes. And, I like the back fence chats that spring up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder what the Advertising weirdo was thinking when he connected her with coffee
LikeLiked by 2 people
As I said to Francesca, it’s a bit of a leap. And, I wonder how many people (aside from us) know about the connection between Melusina and Starbucks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your research. Sad about the stealth of history by Starbucks, Outrageous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those advertising hussies! It’s a bit of a leap from a two tailed siren to a cup of coffee, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
How interesting. I love learning new things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, especially when there are some unexpected twists to the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good that you elicited such responses
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some genuine history buffs on that Facebook site. They can usually answer my questions, lovely people they are!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating Y!
LikeLike
I had no idea where that image would lead to, Susie.
LikeLike
Wow! I never knew about the origins of Starbuck’s logo. How fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are most welcome!
LikeLike
Mendelssohn Overture to “The Fair Melusina” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGCpnou_NKU
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, perfect. The illustrations make the myth come alive. Then there’s the bonus of some Mendelssohn. Thanks, Cynthia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always walk a big arch around Starbucks. Now I understand. Never underestimate the power of a half goat half human with suckling as well. God, knows what goes on inside Starbucks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And, don’t forget all those fertility symbols. Stay well clear, Gez.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And although I buy Starbucks ground coffee (Cafe Verona by the way) for home, I wouldn’t think of going in and ordering an espresso or cappuccino….they just don’t know what to do if I don’t order some weird long non fat, decaf tripple…and on and on.
But then I got a really bad cappuccino at a local Italian restaurant also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so pleased that some of my Venetian friends knew what she represented. I loved myths when I was a youngster, so this one made me happy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course….that’s where I’ve seen her before….living in (or darn near) Seattle as I do. I’ve passed that creature on the top of Starbucks headquarters many times….never to associate her with Venice…but I’ve always associated her with coffee so maybe it’s the same thing…since I also associate Venice with coffee. Sort of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved that Starbucks adopted her for their logo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As one of your readers who contributed no good suggestions at all to the original post and who completely lacked the nous to visit Mr Wiki or Mr Google, I am delighted to be a little better eddicated at the end of this post. I never saw fish at all, just trees – obviously not even putting ‘Venice’ and local natural phenomena together! [Hangs head in shame and shuffles off back to her corner.] Must try better next time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why she pops up in Venice is a little mystery, she’s associated with Norse mythology. Someone must have seen her somewhere and decided she’d be a good addition to the features of that Palazzo.
Get out of that corner …
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had forgotten about the fairy Melusine. It’s so interesting she shows up in so many places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found it fascinating to read the myth, and then see the many representations.
LikeLike
I think there are poems as well…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I shan’t get much done today, as I follow Melusina from site to site!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You must tell us what you find out!
LikeLiked by 1 person