A mermaid is a being with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a fish. They have existed in myth and legend since the earliest of times, and are found in so many cultures around the world that it is impossible to determine their place of origin. See: types of mermaids.

They live primarily underwater and are found in the open ocean, at the sea shore, in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, marshes, fountains, wells and other bodies of water. They have the ability to transform into human beings and live on dry land for a period of time.

The typical mermaid is described as a beautiful long haired maiden with an irresistible singing voice, she uses her charms to lure men to their doom beneath the sea.

In addition to murder, they are also fond of enticing men into marriage. Mermaids are soulless creatures who disappear forever when they die, however, a mermaid can receive a human soul through marriage and/or by producing a child with a human. If a mermaid receives a soul, she will live on after the death of her body. Unfortunately these marriages usually end in great tragedy for one or both of the pair.

The mermaid is often represented combing her hair with one hand and holding a mirror in the other.

They can foretell the future and grant supernatural powers to human beings, but generally have to be bribed or forced into doing so.

They are related to the siren, a sea-nymph with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a bird.

Mermen and merbabies are also mentioned but not as often.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Fairies, Mermaids, Sea Monsters

References

The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge, Volume 18. New York & Chicago: Encyclopedia Americana Corporation, 1919.

Encyclopedia Britannica New York: Encyclopedia Britannica Company, 1911.