Mermaids and Mermen

Mermaids and mermen are mythical beings that are half human and half fish. They have a human upper body and a fish tail instead of legs. Sailors around the world told stories about seeing mermaids in the ocean. These stories have been told for thousands of years in almost every culture.

Mermaids Around the World

Almost every culture near the ocean has mermaid legends. The Greeks had sea nymphs called Nereids. West Africa has Mami Wata, a powerful water spirit. Japan has the Ningyo, a fish-like creature. In many stories, mermaids can sing beautiful songs that enchant sailors.

Helpful or Dangerous?

In some stories, mermaids are kind and help drowning sailors. In other tales, they lure ships onto rocks with their singing. The Little Mermaid tale by Hans Christian Andersen tells of a mermaid who gives up her tail for a chance to live on land. Mermaids remain some of the most popular mythical creatures today.

Fun Facts

• The oldest mermaid legend is about 3,000 years old, from ancient Assyria.
• Christopher Columbus reported seeing mermaids, but they were probably manatees.
• The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most visited statues in the world.

Did You Know?

Sailors who claimed to see mermaids were probably seeing manatees, dugongs, or seals. From far away and in poor light, these animals can look a little bit like a person with a fish tail!