Everything about Mermaids

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Recommended: Literary elements of the little mermaid

Introduction
Mermaids are seen as something mythological or nonexistent, yet there are many stories about them. They are something that society has decided does not exist. Mermaids are mythical creatures that live in the sea. According to popular belief, mermaids were half human and half fish. Men are attracted to them because of their beauty and voice (Littleton 418). Mermaids are the female version and mermen are the male version. Many of the legends and myths about mermaids have come from many different places around the world, each carrying their own version of the myth. Another common term used for mermaid is the term siren. Mermaids are often a visual depiction of powerful water spirits. Manatees and dugongs are often mistaken for mermaids. For example, in 1493 when Columbus was sailing towards Haiti he had claimed to have seen three mermaids, but they were “not as pretty as they are depicted, for somehow in the face they look like men” (“Becoming Mermaids”). Mermaids are depicted in many forms of entertainment, from folklore, to art, to modern media. Mermaids have been a myth for many centuries and are now a popular topic used for entertainment and modern media such as television shows and movies.
The Commonalities between Mami Wata and Lasirèn
Mermaid folklore that come from various places in Europe, Africa, and the Americas have tiny details in common. The mermaids all carry combs and mirrors. This detail is carried from Europe to Africa, and then the Americas through merchant and slaves. A famous myth involves mermaids is Mami Wata, a popular and powerful African water spirit, who is often portrayed as a mermaid. She often would drown those who would disobey her, and as well as cause confusion, sickness, and visions i...

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...ough is no solid evidence if they actually exist or not, is it so wrong to let children use their imagination and dream that mermaids exist?

Works Cited

"Becoming Mermaids." American Museum of Natural History. American Museum of Natural History, n.d. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.
Bonnie L. "Mermaids and Myths, Djullanar the Sea-girl." HubPages. Hubpages, 23 July 2013. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.
Littleton, C. Scott. "Mermaids." The World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. World Book: Chicago, IL, 2010. 418. Print.
N.S. Gill. "Scenes in Art Based on the Odyssey." About.com: Ancient/Classical History. About.com, 2013. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.
Peterson, Brenda. "Interview with a Mermaid." Huff Post Books. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 2013.
Web. 8 Dec. 2013
Sara. "All About Mermaids: Myths, Legends & Pop Culture." Novel Novice. Wordpress.com, 13
Oct. 2010. Web. 8 Dec. 2013.

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