Syreny

Syreny is the Polish plural form used to refer to mermaids or sirens in folklore, myth, and popular culture. The word comes from Latin sirena, via Greek seirēn, and in Polish usage it generally denotes humanoid sea beings with some combination of human and aquatic features. In modern Polish, syrena can also appear as a symbol in heraldry and art.

In classical and medieval myth, sirens are often depicted as dangerous beings whose singing lures sailors to peril. In later European adaptation, the figure increasingly takes the form of a mermaid—some versions show a woman from the waist up and a fish tail below—blurring the line between perilous temptresses and benevolent sea figures. Across cultures, syreny or mermaids can be portrayed as beautiful and compelling, ambiguous guardians, or protectors of maritime realms, depending on the source.

Polish tradition emphasizes the syrena in two main ways. First, as a general folkloric image of mermaids found in regional legends and art. Second, as a specific cultural symbol: the Syrena Warszawska, the legendary Warsaw mermaid, is a prominent emblem associated with the city, appearing in heraldry, statues, and branding. This martially hued mermaid—often depicted with a shield and sometimes a sword—serves as a cultural landmark and tourist symbol.

In contemporary culture, syreny appear in literature, film, games, and music, reflecting a range of interpretations from mythic dangers to protective, mythic beings. They continue to symbolize the mystery of the sea and the enduring human fascination with hybrid creatures.