A Guide to Mermaids

Mermaid myths date back to ancient times. The oldest mermaid myth is related to the Syrian goddess Atargatis. Nearly every culture, from Europe, to Asia, to the Americas contains myths about mermaids.

What is a mermaid?

A mermaid is half-woman and half-fish creature who can breathe above and below water. She is beautiful and often depicted with long golden hair and blue eyes. In northern mythology (especially Celtic), mermaids often wear magical red caps. Mermaids are thought to be very musical. They are often depicted with a musical instrument (lyre) and their beautiful singing voices have led many men to their watery graves. Mermaids can be found sitting on rocks, or swimming about ships at sea.

Common beliefs about mermaids

Mermaids love to brush their long hair and look into hand mirrors. A man can capture a mermaid, and make her his wife, by stealing her possession (cap, mirror, brush). Mermaids make good wives, bringing good luck to the family. Descendents of mermaids are believed to have gift of prophecy, and are usually quite attractive.

Mermaids are known for falling in love with handsome men. They would often pull the object of their affections beneath the water, causing the man to drown. It is believed if you help return a mermaid to the sea she will grant you a wish. However, if you hurt or anger a mermaid, she will seek vengeance upon you and your family, with floods and tidal waves.

"Real" Mermaids

There have been many "official" sightings of mermaids throughout history. Explorer, Henry Hudson and the Roman writer, Pliny, known as the "Father of Natural Science" both claimed to have seen mermaids. During the nineteenth century, mermaid exhibitions became very popular. "Stuffed Mermaids" were on display at the London Exhibition and the PT Barnum side show. In reality, these exhibits were really part of a thriving Japanese industry, who realized they could make a tidy profit by creating "mermaids" for westerners.

What did ancient sailors really see when they spotted a mermaid? Often it was a seal, walruses, or manatee. Alothough, one must wonder how a sailor could confuse a walrus face for that of a beautiful half-woman.

The Most Famous Mermaid

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson, popularized mermaids as friendly, and helpful. The 1990 adaptation of the story by Disney, introduced an entire new generation to the tale, and reinforced the popularity of mermaids in pop culture.