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{{Spoiler}}
{{Character|image1 = Poisonerslibrary.png|caption1 = Hauntingly beautiful.|location = [[Jericho Locks]]|allegiance = Independent|relationships = The Gonfaloniere (husband)<br>
{{Character|image1 = Poisonerslibrary.png|caption1 = Hauntingly beautiful.|location = [[Jericho Locks]]|allegiance = Independent|relationships = The Gonfaloniere (husband)<br>
[[The Poisoned Priestess]]}}<blockquote>''"A woman haunts the quayside of Jericho Locks, her long black gown damp from the miasma of Hell's waterways. She wears a mask depicting a golden swan, which enhances rather than disguises the sickly emerald hue of her skin."''</blockquote>
[[The Poisoned Priestess]]}}<blockquote>''"A woman haunts the quayside of Jericho Locks, her long black gown damp from the miasma of Hell's waterways. She wears a mask depicting a golden swan, which enhances rather than disguises the sickly emerald hue of her skin."<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}}</ref>''</blockquote>


The Swan Bride is an eerie woman who frequents the canals of [[Jericho Locks]]. The Gonfaloniere of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]] forbids contact with her; nobody is willing to ferry her, and she is barred from the local establishments.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"The Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers forbids contact with her; she is barred from the Arborist's Hands and no bargeman will carry her."''</ref> She speaks little, yet she seems to be fond of books and learning.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"This is your library, yes? I need help. Information – scholarly, antique and obscure."''</ref> She doesn’t seem to know what happened to her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"It's clear to me that whatever happened to make me —" […] "As I am, is connected to the dream I have."''</ref>
The Swan Bride is an eerie, mysterious woman who frequents the canals of [[Jericho Locks]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A woman wearing the mask of a golden swan haunts the canals of Jericho."''</ref>


==Behind the Swan Mask==
==The Ghost of the Canals==
<blockquote>''"The Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers forbids contact with her; she is barred from the Arborist's Hands and no bargeman will carry her. Yet she lingers in Jericho, black gown trailing in the water."<ref name=":0" />''</blockquote>All contact with the Swan Bride is forbidden by the Gonfaloniere of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]]. Discussion about her is forbidden,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"Don't know her. Not allowed to talk about the Swan Bride."''</ref> and no Gondolier will ferry her; she is also barred from the local establishments''<ref name=":0" />'' and cannot leave Jericho.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Why they despise me, yet will not allow me to leave."''</ref> Guildmembers drop coins in the canals as offerings to her, but she is unable to use them to buy anything.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A green tome slick with amber reveals a tradition of leaving coins in the river for the Swan Bride, in the hopes of paying a debt. The debt goes unsaid, the Swan Bride entirely unaware of the custom. "[...] no one will sell a thing to me [...]"''</ref>
 
==Appearance and Personality==
{{Major spoiler small}}
{{Major spoiler small}}
<blockquote>''"He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race on the red waters?"''<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>''“In the water, you see the pale green of her skin, so like jaundice. The red of her eyes and the gills that open like wounds in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair contrasts with the hue of her flesh.”<ref name=":3">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}</ref>''
 
''"I wish I knew why I was here. I have seen ceremonies – marriages, even – conducted by the Guild. I gathered a tossed bouquet from the canals, but the bridesmaids screamed and ran when I tried to return it."<ref name=":3" />''</blockquote>The Swan Bride is a woman with pale green skin,<ref name=":0" /> red eyes, and auburn hair.<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] the pale green of her skin, [...] red of her eyes [...] gills [...] in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair [...]"''</ref> Upon closer inspection, she has gills on her neck, like those of a fish.<ref name=":2" /> She wears an elegant black gown, a golden swan mask, and a wedding veil.<ref name=":0" /> Her mannerisms are old-fashioned and formal,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"She gives you a curtsy, [...] old-fashioned [...] Her speech is formal and halting [...]"''</ref> and as a consequence of her ostracism, she is not up to date on current technologies.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"I saw him leave your machine," [...] "The rattling, [...] moving one that comes and goes."''</ref>
 
To any who dare make her acquaintance, the Swan Bride is a sincere,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"'I know the feeling. To want to be safe, [...]' She whirls, [...] 'I really do enjoy this mirror.'"''</ref> loyal,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"An expert [...] denounces your publications, your person [...] The Swan Bride begins a lengthy [...] character assassination in response."''</ref> pragmatic,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride frowns [...] I imagine Hell would have invaded [...] cast salt into the canals [...] She shrugs. "That's what I'd do." [...]"''</ref> and eager<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Swan Bride asks you to teach her to dance, until she is confident enough to lead you, [...]"''</ref> woman who seems fond of books and learning.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"This is your library, yes? I need help. Information – scholarly, antique and obscure."''</ref> However, she is troubled by dreams of the Sere Palace<ref name=":5">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a place I go in my dreams. A palace, [...] surrounded by poison waters, [...] I have heard rumours among the Gondoliers of a Palace of that exact description, [...] one and the same."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"It's clear to me that whatever happened to make me —" […] "As I am, is connected to the dream I have."''</ref> and her inability to remember what befell her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''""A face is kinder than a mirror," [...] She shivers. "I wish I knew why I was here. [...]"''</ref>  


The Swan Bride was a sacrifice - part of a contract between the current Gonfaloniere and the [[The Poisoned Priestess|Poisoned Priestess]],<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"He bound me to the canals," the Swan Bride says. "So I would be like you."''</ref> who dwells in the [[Sere Palace]] at the confluence of the canals.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"She waits in its depths, deep below the Sere Palace."''</ref> The Gonfaloniere wanted to escape the eventual fate that awaits any Gonfaloniere who loses a boat race; the challenger takes his title, and the former holder is taken by [[Hell]], likely resulting in a highly unpleasant demise.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"But he knew the cost of the title and the price owed to Hell when it was lost."''</ref> The Gonfaloniere sought to poison his blood with the waters of the Sere Palace, so that he would become one with the canals and it would be impossible for Hell to claim him.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race on the red waters?"''</ref>
==The Bride Betrayed==
<blockquote>''"I did not wear black then. I was in white. There were viols. Boats on the water. I remember I wore a ring, just a slim band of gold really. He wore none. He told me to look into the water. There was another ring there, on my reflection's finger."''<ref name=":3" />


The Gonfaloniere was not strong enough to withstand the poison,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"The price was too rich for his blood."''</ref> so instead, he put his fiancee in his place, completing the ritual at their wedding. She became tied to the Canals, and the Gonfaloniere was guaranteed victory in any boat race, thus ensuring he kept his title in perpetuity.<ref name=":1" />  
''"He was beautiful. I remember the touch of his hand in mine. He said something in – the old tongue. I remember the sea. Green and the long streets running down towards it like a race. And then dark stairs, a spiral. We walked together, he and I. And nothing more. But he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. We must go back: the truth lies there, not here."''
</blockquote>


== References ==
Around fifty years ago,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] captained these waterways for fifty years [...]"''</ref> the Swan Bride and a senior Gondolier met on the Surface, where the two were betrothed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride was indeed a bride, destined to be married to a senior ranking Gondolier. [...] the Swan Bride says. [...] I remember the sea. Green and the [...] streets running down [...] And then dark stairs, a spiral. [...] he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. [...]"''</ref> The Gondolier was desperate to secure his position as [[The Gonfaloniere|Gonfaloniere]] of the Guild, and even more desperate to avoid losing a race and being condemned to [[Hell]];<ref name=":4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] a doubtful husband-to-be, [...] The husband was the most skilled bargeman on the waters: [...] he knew the cost of the title and the price owed to Hell when it was lost. [...] challenged [...] for his crown. So he searched, [...] He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. [...]"''</ref> thus, he made a bargain with the [[Poisoned Priestess]],<ref name=":4" /> who dwells within the poisoned waters of the Lotus Pool, and brought the Swan Bride to the [[Sere Palace]] to meet her.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride participated in a bridal ceremony at the Palace. Someone [...] in the Lotus Pool served as officiant.''
"''<nowiki/>''</ref> The Priestess married the couple in the Lotus Pool<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] "You married me to him," [...] The Priestess nods."''</ref> by performing a ritual to replace the Swan Bride's blood with the waters of the canals.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] I allowed a substitution."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"'He bound me to the canals,' the Swan Bride says."''</ref> This allowed the Gondolier to be safely poisoned by the waters via an infusion of his wife's blood,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"The price was too rich for his blood."''</ref> which would in turn prevent him from losing a race and being claimed by Hell.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race on the red waters?"''</ref> However, as the unwitting sacrifice in this bargain, the unfortunate Swan Bride was cursed to roam Jericho as a pariah,''<ref name=":0" />'' with little memory of what had happened to her<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] I remember him, my almost husband, but I can't remember her face."''</ref> and nothing but her dreams<ref name=":5" /> and a drive to find the truth<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"We ought to get to the books. [...] might cast light on my role here. [...]"''</ref> for company.
==References==
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]


<references />
<references />

Revision as of 01:31, 1 April 2023

"There are some things we were not meant to know, they say. But you wouldn't be down here if you took that seriously."

Beyond this point lie spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include midgame or minor Fate-locked content. Proceed with caution.

You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.


"A woman haunts the quayside of Jericho Locks, her long black gown damp from the miasma of Hell's waterways. She wears a mask depicting a golden swan, which enhances rather than disguises the sickly emerald hue of her skin."[1]

The Swan Bride is an eerie, mysterious woman who frequents the canals of Jericho Locks.[2]

The Ghost of the Canals

"The Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers forbids contact with her; she is barred from the Arborist's Hands and no bargeman will carry her. Yet she lingers in Jericho, black gown trailing in the water."[1]

All contact with the Swan Bride is forbidden by the Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers. Discussion about her is forbidden,[3] and no Gondolier will ferry her; she is also barred from the local establishments[1] and cannot leave Jericho.[4] Guildmembers drop coins in the canals as offerings to her, but she is unable to use them to buy anything.[5]

Appearance and Personality

"Are you quite sure you want to know this?"

Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.


“In the water, you see the pale green of her skin, so like jaundice. The red of her eyes and the gills that open like wounds in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair contrasts with the hue of her flesh.”[6] "I wish I knew why I was here. I have seen ceremonies – marriages, even – conducted by the Guild. I gathered a tossed bouquet from the canals, but the bridesmaids screamed and ran when I tried to return it."[6]

The Swan Bride is a woman with pale green skin,[1] red eyes, and auburn hair.[7] Upon closer inspection, she has gills on her neck, like those of a fish.[7] She wears an elegant black gown, a golden swan mask, and a wedding veil.[1] Her mannerisms are old-fashioned and formal,[8] and as a consequence of her ostracism, she is not up to date on current technologies.[9]

To any who dare make her acquaintance, the Swan Bride is a sincere,[10] loyal,[11] pragmatic,[12] and eager[13] woman who seems fond of books and learning.[14] However, she is troubled by dreams of the Sere Palace[15][16] and her inability to remember what befell her.[17]

The Bride Betrayed

"I did not wear black then. I was in white. There were viols. Boats on the water. I remember I wore a ring, just a slim band of gold really. He wore none. He told me to look into the water. There was another ring there, on my reflection's finger."[6]

"He was beautiful. I remember the touch of his hand in mine. He said something in – the old tongue. I remember the sea. Green and the long streets running down towards it like a race. And then dark stairs, a spiral. We walked together, he and I. And nothing more. But he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. We must go back: the truth lies there, not here."

Around fifty years ago,[18] the Swan Bride and a senior Gondolier met on the Surface, where the two were betrothed.[19] The Gondolier was desperate to secure his position as Gonfaloniere of the Guild, and even more desperate to avoid losing a race and being condemned to Hell;[20] thus, he made a bargain with the Poisoned Priestess,[20] who dwells within the poisoned waters of the Lotus Pool, and brought the Swan Bride to the Sere Palace to meet her.[21] The Priestess married the couple in the Lotus Pool[22] by performing a ritual to replace the Swan Bride's blood with the waters of the canals.[23][24] This allowed the Gondolier to be safely poisoned by the waters via an infusion of his wife's blood,[25] which would in turn prevent him from losing a race and being claimed by Hell.[26] However, as the unwitting sacrifice in this bargain, the unfortunate Swan Bride was cursed to roam Jericho as a pariah,[1] with little memory of what had happened to her[27] and nothing but her dreams[15] and a drive to find the truth[28] for company.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Our Lady of the Canals, Fallen London
  2. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "A woman wearing the mask of a golden swan haunts the canals of Jericho."
  3. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "Don't know her. Not allowed to talk about the Swan Bride."
  4. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] Why they despise me, yet will not allow me to leave."
  5. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "A green tome slick with amber reveals a tradition of leaving coins in the river for the Swan Bride, in the hopes of paying a debt. The debt goes unsaid, the Swan Bride entirely unaware of the custom. "[...] no one will sell a thing to me [...]"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] the pale green of her skin, [...] red of her eyes [...] gills [...] in her throat. Tumbled auburn hair [...]"
  8. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "She gives you a curtsy, [...] old-fashioned [...] Her speech is formal and halting [...]"
  9. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "I saw him leave your machine," [...] "The rattling, [...] moving one that comes and goes."
  10. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "'I know the feeling. To want to be safe, [...]' She whirls, [...] 'I really do enjoy this mirror.'"
  11. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "An expert [...] denounces your publications, your person [...] The Swan Bride begins a lengthy [...] character assassination in response."
  12. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The Swan Bride frowns [...] I imagine Hell would have invaded [...] cast salt into the canals [...] She shrugs. "That's what I'd do." [...]"
  13. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] the Swan Bride asks you to teach her to dance, until she is confident enough to lead you, [...]"
  14. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "This is your library, yes? I need help. Information – scholarly, antique and obscure."
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] a place I go in my dreams. A palace, [...] surrounded by poison waters, [...] I have heard rumours among the Gondoliers of a Palace of that exact description, [...] one and the same."
  16. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "It's clear to me that whatever happened to make me —" […] "As I am, is connected to the dream I have."
  17. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London ""A face is kinder than a mirror," [...] She shivers. "I wish I knew why I was here. [...]"
  18. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The Gonfaloniere [...] captained these waterways for fifty years [...]"
  19. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The Swan Bride was indeed a bride, destined to be married to a senior ranking Gondolier. [...] the Swan Bride says. [...] I remember the sea. Green and the [...] streets running down [...] And then dark stairs, a spiral. [...] he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. [...]"
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] a doubtful husband-to-be, [...] The husband was the most skilled bargeman on the waters: [...] he knew the cost of the title and the price owed to Hell when it was lost. [...] challenged [...] for his crown. So he searched, [...] He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. [...]"
  21. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The Swan Bride participated in a bridal ceremony at the Palace. Someone [...] in the Lotus Pool served as officiant. "
  22. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] "You married me to him," [...] The Priestess nods."
  23. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] I allowed a substitution."
  24. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "'He bound me to the canals,' the Swan Bride says."
  25. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "The price was too rich for his blood."
  26. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race on the red waters?"
  27. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "[...] I remember him, my almost husband, but I can't remember her face."
  28. ↑ The Poisoner's Library, Fallen London "We ought to get to the books. [...] might cast light on my role here. [...]"
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