In Search of Mermaids: A History of the Myth

Mankind has been intrigued with the idea of mermaids for centuries; as far back as 5000 B.C. These mythical creatures which are said to be half-human and half fish have been the subject of great literature, beautiful music, and entertaining film. They adorn many statues and were the subject of sculptures and paintings.

Few mythical creatures have managed to insinuate themselves into different cultures around the world. Yet virtually every continent as a storehouse of mermaid myths and legends. What is it about these creatures that so captivates us? Let's explore and see if we can find an answer.

Mermaids are most often pictured as females but the male of the species - - merman - - isn't entirely absent from folklore. These creatures, which have the torso of a human and the tail of a fish, are often believed to bring good luck. However, in some cultures, the sighting of a mermaid is viewed as a curse.

Although many people believe that the concept of mermaids originated with Greek mythology, others insist that their legend began much earlier than that. The Greeks, however, may have borrowed some characteristics of the mermaid myth. The Sirens of Greek mythology supposedly had the ability to sing so beautifully that they can lure sailors to their death.

Stories of mermaids were often polar opposite. In some cultures, they were thought to despise mankind, particularly the male of the species. These creatures would take any opportunity to do away with their enemies. Like the myths that the Greeks portrayed, these mermaids sought to lure sailors to their death, drowning them out of pure spite.

Other legends believe that mermaids were the keepers of the ocean, constantly vigilant in their duty to rescue mankind from accidents at sea. Unfortunately, their rescues sometimes went wrong, ending with them squeezing the life out of their victims during rescue attempts.