When the son of the water returns to the parent, it dies. What is it?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to dance around the mysteries of nature, inviting you to ponder the relationship between water and its solid form. The phrase "the son of the water" cleverly refers to ice, which is indeed the offspring of water when it freezes. When ice returns to its "parent"—water—through the process of melting, it can be interpreted as a sort of death, as the ice no longer exists in its solid state. This play on the life cycle of water and ice reveals an intriguing truth about transformation; while ice may seem to vanish when it melts, it merely changes form, continuing the cycle of water in our world. The beauty of this riddle lies in its poetic imagery and the profound connection it draws between elements of nature. The word "dies" adds a layer of emotional resonance, inviting us to contemplate not just the physical state change but also the philosophical implications of transformation, rebirth, and continuity. It's a reminder that in nature, nothing truly disappears; instead, it evolves and takes on new forms. Interestingly, this riddle resonates with various cultural depictions of water and ice across folklore, where they often symbolize life, death, and rebirth. In many traditions, water represents the essence of life, while ice can signify stillness or the passing of time. So, the next time you observe a frozen lake melting under the warm sun, remember that you’re witnessing the cyclical beauty of nature at play—a poetic dance that echoes the riddle’s wisdom.