Rhinemaidens are the three water-nymphs in Wagnerian mythology that are to guard the Rheingold, a treasure which can be made in to a magic ring whose bearer will rule the world. the maidens’ joy in the gold derives from its beauty alone, even though they know its latent power.

the mermaids’ fishy tails are represented in the stitch pattern of this scarf.
wearing the scarf wrapped ringlike round your shoulders, you may decide for yourself if you wish to rule the world or just want to enjoy the warmth and beauty of your knitted item.

inspired by a ‘Seafarer’s Scarf” (Christmas-at-Sea program, www.seamenschurch.org) seen some time ago at a friends’, I wanted to make one of these unusually shaped scarves that fit so snugly round the neck. the original pattern calls for garter stitch tails, but I adapted a cockle shell pattern to achieve a rippled, three dimensional structure.