The Fisherman and His Soul by Oscar Wilde

Author: Oscar Wilde 

Published: 1891

Genre: Fairy Tale, Short story

“The Fisherman and His Soul” is a short story by Oscar Wilde, published in 1891 as part of his fairy-tale anthology, A House of Pomegranates. Other short stories in this collection are “The Young King,” “The Birthday of the Infanta,” and “The Star-Child.” 

Oscar Wilde is renowned for his wit, aestheticism, and profound insights. This enchanting narrative weaves a captivating tapestry of love, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between one’s desires and moral obligations.

1. The Fisherman and His Soul Synopsis

Set in a fantastical world where humans and mermaids coexist, “The Fisherman and His Soul” follows the journey of a young fisherman who falls in love with a mermaid. The fisherman’s love for the mermaid is reciprocated, but their union faces a significant obstacle: the fisherman’s soul. A series of allegorical encounters and challenges ensue as the fisherman embarks on a quest to separate his soul from his body, thereby enabling him to live eternally with his beloved mermaid.

2. The Fisherman and His Soul Summary

The young Fisherman goes fishing every evening. When the wind blows from the land, he catches nothing, but when it blows to the shore, he catches fish to sell. One evening, he catches a beautiful Mermaid in his net. He falls in love with her, but she asks to be set free, promising to come whenever he calls and sings to her. They make a pact.

Every evening, the Fisherman calls the Mermaid, and she rises from the sea to sing to him. Dolphins and gulls surround her. She sings of sea creatures, underwater wonders, and distant places. The Fisherman catches fish while she sings. He desires to be with her and offers to give up his soul.

The Fisherman seeks advice from a Priest, who tells him the soul is precious. Disheartened, the Fisherman encounters a Witch who promises to help him rid himself of his soul. She tells him to cut his shadow (which she calls the body of the soul) from his feet under the full moon and leave it behind. She warns him of a price.

That night, witches gather, and the Witch tries to enchant the Fisherman, but he resists her advances. A mysterious man watches them. The Fisherman’s shadowed Soul implores him not to cast it away. Ignoring its pleas, he follows the Witch’s instructions, separating his shadow from his body. The Fisherman’s shadowed Soul promises to return once a year if he ever needs it.

A year later, the Soul visits the Fisherman by the sea, and the Soul recounts its journey and experiences after leaving him. The Soul shares various encounters and adventures, including interactions with different cultures, merchants, strange cities, and even the Emperor of a city. It describes places where it witnessed remarkable sights and treasures, including a Mirror of Wisdom and a Ring of Riches. The Soul seeks to convince the Fisherman to reunite with it and embark on a new journey. However, the Fisherman prioritizes his love for the little Mermaid over the allure of riches and wisdom.

In the third year, the Soul reveals to the Fisherman a marvelous city where a veiled girl danced. The Fisherman desires to see the dance, realizing the little Mermaid couldn’t have danced. The fisherman decides to journey to the city and reunites with the Soul.

The Fisherman and his Soul journey together to the city where a woman, of whom the Soul had spoken, is said to dance. He journeys through various cities, guided by his soul’s advice. Along the way, his soul tempts him to commit both good and evil deeds, but his love for the mermaid remains unwavering. 

Despite his soul’s urging, he doesn’t yield to temptation. He builds a house by the sea, calls to the Mermaid, and waits for her, but she never comes. Over time, he is tempted by his soul again, which leads him to experience pain and temptation. Eventually, he finds the lifeless body of the mermaid washed ashore, clasping her in his arms. The local priest becomes angry, accusing the Mermaid of being cursed, and he orders their unceremonious burial in an unmarked grave.

Years later, during a holy day, the priest is moved to speak of God’s love instead of His wrath. Later, the priest discovers that unknown flowers have grown on the altar, attributed to the site of the Mermaid’s burial. Despite the unusual flowers, the field remains barren and the sea creatures no longer come to that bay. The priest blesses the sea and all creatures, bringing joy and wonder to the people.

3. Themes Explored

Desire and Morality – At its core, “The Fisherman and His Soul” grapples with the conflict between human desires and moral principles. The fisherman’s yearning for his mermaid lover represents primal desires, while his soul embodies his conscience and moral compass. The tale prompts readers to reflect on the delicate balance between pursuing one’s desires and adhering to ethical considerations.

Self-Sacrifice and Love – The fisherman’s willingness to sacrifice his soul for the sake of love underscores the theme of selflessness and the lengths individuals may go to fulfill their desires. His unwavering devotion prompts readers to contemplate the nature of love, sacrifice, and the potential consequences of prioritizing personal desires above all else.

Nature and the Supernatural – The narrative’s fantastical setting blurs the lines between the natural and supernatural realms. The interaction between humans and mermaids symbolizes the juxtaposition of the earthly and otherworldly, inviting readers to explore the mysteries and wonders beyond the tangible world.

4. Characters and Symbolism

The Fisherman – The protagonist represents humanity’s inner struggle between the material and the spiritual. His journey to separate his soul from his body mirrors the universal desire for eternal pleasure and gratification, even at the expense of spiritual well-being.

The Mermaid – The mermaid embodies desire, sensuality, and the allure of the unknown. As the fisherman’s beloved, she represents both the object of his affections and the temptations that can lead individuals astray from their moral path.

The Soul – The fisherman’s soul serves as his moral guide and conscience. It symbolizes the higher principles that govern human behavior, challenging the fisherman to make choices aligned with his spiritual well-being rather than fleeting desires.

The Witch – A pivotal character in the narrative, the witch represents a catalyst for change. Her mystical powers and knowledge serve as a conduit for the fisherman’s transformative journey, highlighting the role of external influences in shaping human decisions.

5. Relevance and Interpretation

Despite its publication over a century ago, “The Fisherman and His Soul” remains relevant in contemporary discourse. The tale’s exploration of desire, morality, and sacrifice resonates with modern readers who grapple with the complexities of navigating personal aspirations within societal and ethical frameworks. Wilde’s allegory invites interpretations ranging from religious and philosophical examinations to psychological and existential analyses.

6. Conclusion

Oscar Wilde’s “The Fisherman and His Soul” invites readers on a mesmerizing voyage into a world where desire and morality collide, and love and sacrifice intertwine. Through its allegorical storytelling and timeless themes, this fairy tale prompts contemplation on the human condition, the pursuit of happiness, and the intricacies of ethical decision-making. As readers immerse themselves in the fisherman’s quest to reconcile his desires with his soul, they are reminded that the choices they make resonate beyond themselves, echoing Wilde’s timeless message of the eternal struggle between the heart and the soul.