Mermaids

Mermaids are legendary aquatic beings typically described as having the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish. They appear in many folklores and, in modern times, in literature and media. In traditional tales they are often female; male counterparts are called mermen or merfolk. The term mermaid derives from Old English merewif, from mere “sea” and wif “woman,” and is attested in Middle English from the 14th century.

Origins and distribution of mermaid lore are broad. In Europe, stories often portray mermaids as beautiful yet dangerous, capable of blessing sailors or bringing misfortune. In Celtic and Norse tradition, related beings appear, such as merrows and other sea-folk. East Asian traditions include mermaid-like figures such as ningyo. In Africa, water-spirit traditions such as Mami Wata are sometimes depicted in mermaid form, while in the Americas various indigenous and colonial-era legends feature sea-women and water sprites. Across cultures, mermaids frequently occupy liminal space between land and sea and between human society and the natural world.

Themes and characterization vary, but common motifs include beauty, temptation, peril, and the ambivalent power of the sea. Mermaids may lure sailors, grant wishes, protect coastal communities, or foretell storms. They are often presented as symbols of mystery, abundance, and the unknown depths of the ocean.

In contemporary culture, mermaids persist in folklore, art, and media. They appear in fairy tales, film, and popular novels, continuing to evolve as figures that reflect human relations with the sea and with fantasy.