Does anyone know any myths or legends about mermaids?

Question

I'm writing a children's story about mermaids & I'm doing some research, but would also like to know what all of you know.

Thanks, pab7. I already saw that one. It was great.

Answer 1

I've heard that they are both beautiful and graceful and saved people at sea, but there are other stories that say they are wicked and drown people. Its very interesting to read that mermaids and Sirens were sometimes intertwined in folklore.

http://northstargallery.com/mermaids/MermaidHistory2.htm

Answer 2

Of course, perhaps the most famous mermaid was created by Hans Christian Anderson in his short story: "The Little Mermaid," which formed the basis of the Disney animated feature of the same name. As to the origins of the mermaid, the theories are diverse. Some feel that sightings of manatees in the Carribean by ancient mariners gave birth to the mermaid legend. Others feel that the sirens described in Homer's "Odyssey," were the basis of the mermaid myths. Still others refer to the Lorelei as mermaids who serenaded ancient mariners.

Answer 3

There is a Greek legend that claims that Alexander the Great had a sister who was a mermaid. After Alexander's death the mermaid would stop the ships asking just one question: "Is King Alexander alive?" If the (wrong) answer was "No" she would destroy the ship. The correct answer was: "He lives and he rules and he conquers the world." In that case she would let the ship continue its trip. Good luck with your story!!

Answer 4

the old sea farers thought manatees were mermaids, this is back in the days before discovery channel and they were an unknown species outside of native cultures. imagine waking up with that after a night on the grog, forget ariel a 5 tonne seal like thing munching on mackeral

Answer 5

Lure Of The Lorelei


I cannot divine what it meaneth,
This haunting nameless pain:
A tale of the bygone ages
Keeps brooding through my brain:

The loveliest maiden is sitting
High-throned in yon blue air,
Her golden jewels are shining,
She combs her golden hair;

The doomed in his drifting shallop,
Is tranced with the sad sweet tone,
He sees not the yawing breakers,
He sees but the maid alone:

The faint air cools in the gloaming,
And peaceful flows the Rhine,
The thirsty summits are drinking
The sunset’s flooding wine;

She combs with a comb that is golden,
And sings a weird refrain
That steeps in a deadly enchantment
The listener’s ravished brain:

The pitiless billows engulf him!-
So perish sailor and bark;
And this, with her baleful singing,
Is the Lorelei’s gruesome work.

Answer 6

I am a story writer, and finished one story about a mermaid. E-mail me if you want any ideas.

Answer 7

detect an entire English version of Homer's comprehensive Works, greater particularly focusing on info interior the Illiad. this is the main special while it incorporates mythological creatures. additionally attempt mind-blowing beasts and the place to discover them by Newt Scamander a.ok.a J.ok Rowling

Answer 8

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1620/legends.html