Merman

A merman is a legendary humanoid creature with the upper body of a man and the tail of a fish, the male counterpart to the mermaid. The term is formed from English, combining sea (mer) with man. Across cultures, mermen are described as living in oceans, rivers, or other aquatic realms; the size, appearance, and temperament of mermen vary widely, but many depictions emphasize their strength, swimming ability, and connection to the sea.

In folklore and myth, mermen range from benevolent guardians to dangerous tricksters. Some traditions portray them as protectors of ships, fishermen, or underwater treasures; others cast them as hostile denizens of the deep. In classical myth, male figures associated with the sea include Triton, the messenger of the sea in Greek mythology, often depicted as a merman who can blow a conch horn.

In modern popular culture, mermen appear in fantasy literature, film, comics, and video games. They are depicted with varied temperaments and abilities, from noble allies to formidable antagonists, and are frequently used to explore themes of belonging, identity, and cultural difference within merfolk communities.

Scholars view mermen as part of a broader mythological tradition in which the sea functions as a source of fear, fascination, and moral lessons. As with mermaids, contemporary portrayals reflect changing attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and the ocean.