There are several terms for this stylized female figure at the northern portal of the Schottenkloster in Regensburg, for example, siren, Melusine, or mermaid. According to Georges Devereux[1], behind the lion's head, which partly hides the figure, is an exposed female sexual organ. The hybrid creature, half human and half fish, has two fishtails which are held up with both hands. There are many opinions about what purpose the woman with two fishtails serves. Perhaps the figure represents a water woman who is a personification of the sea which creates life and guarantees the existence of all living beings. In this sense, woman would be a live giver[2]. Mermaids exist in many mythologies and different cultures.[3] However, in the Christian Middle Ages, sirens were the embodiment of sin since they incited human beings with their female charm to follow their sexual instincts; this was incompatible with Christian virtues[4]. On these grounds, they can be considered as a warning of carnal lust. The legend of the Melusine was very popular in the Middle Ages. It tells the story of a woman - half human, half fish – or serpentine being who marries a knight under the condition that he is not allowed to see her on saturdays because she takes on her real form. The knight breaks the agreement and thus Melusine disappears and he loses all his reputation[5]. There are various versions of the tale. At the end of the Middle Ages, Melusine was Christianized and since then appeared as "Christian princess who is faithful to God"[6]. She battles against religions of different faith and advocates Christianity.[7] This allegory is also used in heraldry and can be detected nowadays, for example in the logo of the coffeehouse chain, Starbucks[8].

(Translation: C. Wilhelm)