Note 1 — Chapter V · The Grateful Dead and The Ransomed Woman.

The märchen known in its various forms as The Water of Life1 is based on the myth which goes by the same name.2 The myth, as has been shown quite independently by two recent investigators, Dr. Wünsche3 and Dr. E. W. Hopkins,4 is of Semitic origin, and is found among the traditions of the Assyrio-Babylonian cycle. It is to be distinguished from the very similar myth of The Fountain of Youth, which apparently originated in India.5 The latter concerns the magic properties of the “water of rejuvenation”; the former in its uncontaminated form, at least, deals with water which cures, revivifies, or revitalizes. The two have been frequently confused, not only in popular tradition of all ages, but in critical writings of contemporary date as well. It is the great merit of Professor Hopkins’ article, to which reference has been made, that their essential difference in origin and character is clearly marked. Though he makes no pretence that his study of The Fountain of Youth is definitive, he has broken ground which sadly needed the plough, and incidentally has thrown light upon The Water of Life.