The Lorelei myth originates from German folklore, particularly associated with the Rhine River. It tells the story of a beautiful maiden named Lorelei who, heartbroken by a lost love, threw herself into the river. Her spirit is said to haunt the riverbanks, luring sailors with her enchanting song, leading them to their doom on the rocky shores. The legend has inspired various artistic interpretations, including poems, songs, and paintings. The Lorelei Rock, a steep cliff along the Rhine, is named after her, and it remains a popular tourist destination, symbolizing the tragic beauty of the myth and its connection to the river's treacherous waters.