seaspirits

Seaspirits is a term used to describe supernatural beings imagined as personifications of the sea and its phenomena. In folklore and fiction, seaspirits can be benevolent guardians of sailors, malevolent tricksters, or forces that govern tides, storms, and marine life. The term spans multiple traditions and modern fantasy where sea powers are embodied as sentient beings.

Etymology and scope: The word is a modern compound of sea and spirits. It echoes older concepts such as water spirits, nereids, undines, and selkies, but its use is broader, serving as an umbrella label for a class of beings across settings.

Characteristics: Seaspirits may inhabit reefs, shipwrecks, or the ocean depths. They are described as shaping weather, guiding travelers, and communicating through signs, dreams, or visions. Some traditions involve offerings or rituals to honor or placate them.

Fiction and media: In fantasy literature, role-playing games, and video games, seaspirits appear as deities, factions, or sources of magical energy. They may grant water-related powers, command marine creatures, or protect sailors, often requiring reciprocity.

Contemporary spirituality and culture: Some ocean-focused spiritual communities honor seaspirits as guardians of marine ecosystems or as archetypes for environmental ethics, using coastal rituals, meditation, or art.

Branding and usage: The term is also used in branding for sea-themed beverages and non-alcoholic spirits, signaling mood or aesthetic rather than a fixed tradition.

See also: water spirit, nereid, undine, selkie, ocean deity, maritime folklore.