Whats your theory?
2006-07-08 21:47:28 · 5 answers · asked by gerbil31603 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
I want to hear a few more unorthadox expanations for the 1 percent that cant be explained by the Mantee/Dugong/Seal explanations. Not all can be expained bt that folks.
2006-07-09 07:41:35 · update #1
From Celtic Folklore. I have read the other answers and I agree to a certain point. I ADORE These Legendary Creatures and Would'nt Mind in the least, if I was one.
2006-07-09 17:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by Trisha 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I read, and feel inclined to believe, that some sailors developed the idea of merfolk from the combination of seeing dolphins swimming along at the helm of the ship AND from seeing seals laying on distant beaches. These men were spending some LONG hours out at sea... I'd imagine you'd start to see just about anything after too long....
2006-07-09 04:51:43 · answer #2 · answered by A Designer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The legend is thought to have come from sea cows, also known as manatee or dugongs. The latin name of sea cows is "Sirena" refering to the legend of the Sirens that lured sailors to their deaths.
Think of this, you've been 9 months at sea without a woman, youre as drunk as a skunk on rum, and you see a semi familiar mammalian face pop up out of the water. Presto - mermaids.
2006-07-09 07:22:07 · answer #3 · answered by g_orwell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My theory?
Sailors out at sea for months at a time without female company. Relatively uneducated and superstitious men, made more superstitious and 'pagan' by the capriciousness of weather and water. They see the fluke of a dolphin or whale and the shape reminds them of womens' legs and thighs, because they miss It that badly.
Wishful thinking.
2006-07-09 04:54:03 · answer #4 · answered by barbara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently they came from the seacows that look like humans with tails. Apparently, to me they look like seals but that's the story!
2006-07-09 04:52:20 · answer #5 · answered by chicgirl639 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋