Mermaids have long been prominent figures in folklore, legend, and mythology. People have always been curious to know if mermaids are real and also take incredible interest in possible sightings of these creatures.
As such, mermaids have been spoken about since humanity learned how to write. But how and when did their stories and the possibility of their existence spring up?
Where did they originate? Did they come from sailors’ tales of sightings, or were they known even before that?
Are they manatees, dugongs, or something more?
Only one way to find out. Read on – in this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of the mermaid myth across different cultures.
The Origin of Mermaid Tales
A mermaid is a mythical creature with the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish.
They appear in the folklore of many countries, most prominent in Asia, Africa, and Europe. But where did the information about these creatures first appear?
Early Mesopotamian Influence
1. Atargatis: The Syrian Mermaid Goddess
The earliest known tales are traced back to ancient Syria, with the goddess Atargatis around 1000 B.C. In the myth of Assyria, the beautiful goddess of fertility, Atargatis, cast herself into a lake and therefore transformed into a mermaid.
2. Oannes and Half-Fish Deities
Parallel to the story of Atargatis is the tale of Oannes, a significant figure in Babylonian mythology from the 4th century BC. Depicted as a creature that is half-human and half-fish, Oannes would rise from the ocean each day to teach the people along the Persian Gulf about writing, arts, and sciences.
Roman and Greek Mythology
The mermaids we believe in today are first most closely described in Ancient Greece. A famous Greek folktale claimed that Alexander the Great’s sister, Thessalonike, was transformed into a mermaid and lived in the Aegean Sea after her death in 295 BC.
The legend goes that if she spotted a ship, she would ask the sailors, “Is King Alexander alive?” If the sailors answered correctly by saying, “He lives and reigns and conquers the world,” Thessalonike would let them continue ahead without harm. If they failed to answer her this way, it is said that she would become angry and conjure a rough sea storm, dooming the ship and dragging the sailors to the bottom of the ocean. A similar narrative is told in the famed Odyssey written by Homer, in which Odysseus encounters a variety of sea creatures, including a sea nymph.
Furthermore, Greek mythology offers a rich expansion on the concept of mermaids, encompassing figures like the Nereids, Tritons, and Sirens. Here’s an overview of how they feature in Greek mythology:
1. Nereids and Tritons
The Nereids were sea-nymphs, sometimes depicted with fish tails and other times with legs. There were 50 Nereids, all daughters of Nereus and Doris, living in the Aegean Sea with their parents. Among the most notable Nereids were Thetis, the mother of the great hero Achilles, and Amphitrite, who married Poseidon and became the mother of Triton.
Nereus, the father of the Nereids, was a Titan and the eldest son of Pontus (the Sea) and Gaia (the Earth). Known as the Old Man of the Sea, he was depicted as a human with a long fish-like tail. His wife, Doris, was the daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, both children of Uranus (the Sky) and Gaia. When the Titans were overthrown by Zeus and his siblings, Nereus was replaced by Poseidon as the ruler of the seas.
Amphitrite and Poseidon were the parents of Triton, a merman with a fish tail, much like the Nereids. Triton inherited the dominion over the sea from Poseidon, who had taken it over from Nereus. Modern audiences recognize Triton as the father of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, in Disney’s adaptation.
The Tritons, descendants of Triton, are depicted as mermen and mermaids, continuing the legacy of these mythical sea creatures.
2. Sirens
The Sirens were legendary beings in Greek and Roman mythology, portrayed as half-woman and half-bird. According to myth, they resided on an island and enticed sailors with their enchanting songs, leading them to their doom in treacherous waters.
Cultural Diffusion and Evolution
There are many variations to mermaids, though the common one is that of beautiful maidens with half-fish tails that sing, luring sailors and dragging them to the bottom of the sea. But in a couple of other cultures, they were said to be a blessing and a good omen for seafarers. Here are a couple of cultures with different views on them and their omens.
1. European Folklore and Medieval Mermaids
In Medieval Western Europe, these were often depicted as evil and lustful, their femininity reinforcing the sexist view of women as temptresses leading men to sin. This negative portrayal likely stemmed from the Church’s efforts to suppress pagan symbols and establish Christian dominance. In this respect, mermaids represent lust and vanity, that were frequently depicted in medieval churches to remind the illiterate masses of the dangers of sin.
The British, therefore, believed mermaids to be a bad omen. Although beautiful, they were said to seduce sailors and drown them merely for the sake of their entertainment or wrath. Many of these famous stories are written in Old English. For instance, famous pirates, like Blackbeard, had marked certain parts of the seas as “enchanted” on his logbook and instructed his ship crew to stay clear of these waters for fear of mermaids and sirens.
2. Scandinavian Selkies and Finfolk
Selkies are distinct from mermaids, though both are part of mythological traditions. Unlike them, who are believed to transform their tails into human legs, Selkies shed their seal skins to become fully human when on land. There is ongoing debate among folklorists regarding the differences between Selkies, Merfolk, Kelpies, and Finfolk. Selkies are typically depicted with gentler, more mild personalities, and female Selkies are often portrayed as victims rather than predators, contrasting with their more dangerous image.
3. Japanese Folklore
Japan’s version of mermaids is dark, they are known as ningyo, grotesque and dangerous creatures with supernatural powers. While consuming their flesh is said to grant immortality, wise sailors avoided them. Ningyo sightings date back over 2,500 years in Japan. These beings are described as having shiny golden scales, a monkey-like mouth with small fish-like teeth, and a voice that sounds like a skylark or a flute. Since they are a symbol of storms and bad luck, sailors sailed away from them.
4. African Mythology
African myth calls merfolks the Mami Wata, translated as “Mother of the Water.” Although the name is feminine, they believe in both mermaids and mermen. They are believed to be diabolical creatures who lure people to their deaths. Zimbabwe believes strongly in mermaids, calling them “njuzu.” The njuzu is blamed for bad weather, water disasters, and the disappearance of men. They live in rivers and lakes, and if a person goes missing in these areas, they are said to be taken by the njuzu, never to return again.
5. Chinese & Korean Mythology
Chinese folklore describes them as capable, beautiful, and able to turn their tears into pearls. They were seen as gentle, mild, and a blessing of the sea. Similar to China’s, Korean myths depict the sea maidens as a good omen. They see her as a goddess that warns fishermen of sea storms and impending doom.
6. Brazilian Mythology
Myths from Brazil spring from the concept known as the Iara translated as “Lady of the Waters.” Through folklore, she is known to be an immortal woman that is blamed for situations where men disappear in the Amazon.
Symbolism and Themes in Mermaid Myths
Exploring the symbolism of mermaids reveals that these mythical creatures often represent the connection between our world and the ocean, acting as a bridge between life and death. They reflect the dual nature of the sea—its captivating beauty and its hidden dangers, embodying a blend of allure and danger, much like the sea itself.
These narratives illustrate how ancient civilizations intertwined the characteristics of revered deities and mythical beings with those of marine creatures, culminating in the enchanting yet elusive figure of the mermaid. This blending of human traits with aquatic life forms highlights a cultural attempt to understand and explain the mysteries of the seas, embedding these creatures deeply within the mythological tapestry of human history.
Modern Interpretations in Literature & Art
In modern times, the mermaid myth has transcended ancient mythology to become a prominent figure in literature and art, often embodying themes of freedom, curiosity, and the unknown. This transformation reflects changing societal attitudes toward the ocean and femininity.
1. Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”
Literature has played a pivotal role in reshaping the mermaid’s image from a mysterious, often ominous sea creature to a symbol of intrigue and enchantment. One of the most iconic modern portrayals is Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Published in 1837, Andersen’s tale introduces a mermaid princess who sacrifices her voice for a chance to live as a human after falling in love with a prince. This story has been adapted into numerous films, ballets, and musicals, significantly influencing popular culture’s view of mermaids as complex, multifaceted beings caught between two worlds.
For many, their first introduction to mermaids comes from the famous Disney film, The Little Mermaid, based on Andersen’s tale. Disney’s portrayal of the mermaid has further significantly shaped their global perceptions, popularizing a romanticized and approachable image of these mythical beings.
2. Renaissance Art
Art history is rich with depictions of sirens and mermaids. The 20th century saw more realistic interpretations of these motifs, like John William Waterhouse’s 1900 painting A Mermaid, which shows a beautiful mermaid on the shore, perhaps inspiring Disney’s version of the little mermaid.
The most famous sculpture of a mermaid is Edward Eriksen’s The Little Mermaid (1913) in Copenhagen, depicting her gazing longingly at the city. Roy Lichtenstein offered his take in 1979 with a comic-book style mermaid on Miami Beach.
Contemporary artists, like Yayoi Kusama, have also reimagined these myths, as seen in her recent illustrations for Andersen’s famous tales.
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Rida Nasir
Researcher and Conservationist, with an MSc in Environmental Science
The origins of mermaid myths are deeply rooted in human imagination and the enigmatic nature of the sea. These tales likely arose from a combination of ancient folklore and sailors’ encounters with the unknown. The legend of half-human, half-fish creatures dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were often associated with goddesses of the sea and fertility. However, the simple existence of these legends doesn’t fully explain the widespread belief in mermaids lurking beneath the waves. Historical accounts, like those from sailors centuries ago, contributed significantly to the spread of these myths. Christopher Columbus, for example, reported seeing them, although historians argue he may have mistaken sea animals for these mythical beings. Yet, the stark difference between the face of a sea creature and that of a human raises questions about what he truly witnessed. As an explorer, Columbus encountered many unknowns, and his sightings could be among the unexplained phenomena that fueled the mermaid myth. The combination of ancient lore, the isolation of sea voyages, and the mysteries of the deep ocean likely gave rise to the enduring stories of mermaids.
FAQs
What are mermaids known for?
Mermaids are known for being half-human, with a head, arms, and torso, and half-fish, with a large fishtail. They are known for being incredibly beautiful and, at many times, dangerous.
When did mermaids first appear in history?
Mermaids first appeared in history around 1,000 BC in Assyria, where present-day Syria is today. The story includes the fertility goddess Atargatis, who became a mermaid after casting herself into a lake.
Where do mermaids live?
Mermaids are said to live in oceans worldwide. The most common areas in which they are supposedly sighted include the coast of Ireland and South Africa.
