Idralea

The work is set against the background of an ideal Piedmontese archady, among the rivers Tanaro, Bormida and Po, immersed in woods and pleasant rural landscapes.

The fairy tale follows the fate of the nymph hunter Hydralea, consecrated to the goddess Diana. Of Hydralea, an evil monster is invaded by the factions of poisonous serpent, protected by the god Pluto. The daring nymph, fighting him, finally manages to kill him, but by doing so it attracts the ires of Pluto, which is believed to be largely offended.

The powerful god of the subsoil, thus, transforms it into a poisonous source. The news quickly spreads into the kingdom where she lived and also reaches Merio, son of Tanar and Orizia, lost in love with Hydralea: he, pierced to the heart by the disappearance of the beloved, despairs prorupting in a incessant weeping.

Proserpina, who, companion of Diana and Aphrodite, from the top of his eye drawn by winged destriers does not neglect to observe the earthly happenings, is intertwined in front of the bad luck touched to the beautiful and daring maiden. The protector of spring awakening and the active fertility of the earth does not hesitate, therefore, to go to Pluto and, using all the arts of seduction that have linked it to her, manages to calm him and obtain that the effects of the maleficio are mitigated.

Thus the unconstant cry of Merio becomes a rivo, which, joining with the source of Hydralea, near the city of Acqui Terme, heats its waters, making them forever beneficial and healing.^[1]