Cunégonde

Cunégonde is a fictional character in Voltaire's novel Candide. She is the title character's aristocratic cousin and love interest. Her name may be derived from Cunigunde of Luxemburg.

At the beginning of the story, Candide is chased away from his uncle's home after he is caught kissing and fondling Cunégonde. Shortly afterwards, Cunégonde's family is attacked by a band of marauding soldiers and she is taken prisoner. However, Cunégonde soon becomes the mistress of two wealthy Portuguese who decide to share her between them. Candide kills the two men and he, Cunégonde and the Old Woman (Cunégonde's servant) flee to Buenos Aires.