VODNIK - blush

In Antonin Dvorak's opera, "Rusalka"- Vodnik is portrayed as a water goblin and is Rusalka's Father. In Czech, Slovene and Slovak folklore the features of the vodnik are markedly different to the East-Slavic conception; he has a completely human constitution and habits, except for few differences - vodnici (plural of vodnik) have gills, webbed membrane between their fingers and their skin is algae-green in colour (as well as their hair, which is typically of pale green tone). Their overall dress and appearance is weird, sometimes even resembling a vagrant; patchy shirts and (by modern standards) odd hats with long speckled ribbons - are commonplace. They can withstand lingering for hours outside their ponds. When they do so, one can tell them unequivocally by their wet coat-tails from which water is dripping under all circumstances. The vodnik's face is usually unshaven and it is not uncommon for a vodnik to have a large, wet, tangled beard. (source: Wikipedia)