| Alraune | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Alraune |
|
First Appearance |
Alraune (1911) |
|
Original Publisher |
Unknown |
|
Created by |
Hanns Heinz Ewers |
Origin[]
The captivating and enigmatic girl known as Alraune (German for Mandrake) was not born in the conventional sense. She is the result of a bizarre and cruel scientific experiment conducted by the eccentric Professor ten Brinken. He uses the sperm of a hanged man to impregnate a prostitute in his laboratory , resulting in a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts. This unconventional beginning sets the stage for Alraune's unconventional life.
From a young age, Alraune exhibits a captivating allure that draws people to her, which she uses to her advantage. She possesses an almost hypnotic charm that makes those around her unable to resist her influence. Despite her innocent appearance, Alraune harbors a manipulative streak. Men are drawn to her irresistibly, and she is not above using her sexuality to manipulate them. Throughout the novel, she manipulates various characters to further her own gain, often with devastating consequences.
Alraune is portrayed as lacking empathy or remorse for her actions. She seems indifferent to the suffering she causes others and is willing to sacrifice anyone who stands in the way of her goals. Despite her power and charisma, Alraune's life is ultimately marked by tragedy. The discovery of her unconventional conception and manipulative nature lead her down a dark path, culminating in her own demise as she avenges herself against the professor.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Alraune (1911)
Public Domain Film Appearances[]
- Alraune, die Henkerstochter, genannt die rote Hanne (1918)
- Alraune (1928)
Notes[]
- The basis of the story of Alraune dates to the Middle Ages in Germany. The humanoid-shaped mandrake root or Mandragora officinarum was widely believed to be produced by the semen or blood of hanged men under the gallows. The root itself was used in love philtres and potions while its fruit was supposed to facilitate pregnancy. Witches who "made love" to the mandrake root were said to produce offspring that had no feelings of real love and had no soul.