How old is the lorelei?

Answer 1

The Lorelei is a character from German folklore, often depicted as a beautiful siren who lures sailors to their doom on the Rhine River. While the exact age of the legend is difficult to determine, it has roots in Germanic mythology and has been popularized in literature and music since the early 19th century. The story gained significant attention with Heinrich Heine's poem "Die Lorelei," published in 1824. Therefore, the lorelei as a cultural symbol is nearly 200 years old, but its origins are likely much older.