A mermaid is a creature of both water and wonder—most commonly described as having the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a fish. The image is graceful and mysterious, often with long flowing hair, a shimmering tail, and eyes that seem to hold the memory of the ocean itself.
But beyond this familiar image lies a tapestry of myths, cultures, and beliefs that have shaped the mermaid legend over thousands of years.
Mermaids exist in the space between the human world and the untamable sea. They have been described as protectors, seductresses, tragic lovers, and divine beings.
Their dual nature—half human, half aquatic—makes them symbols of duality, representing beauty and danger, life and death, temptation, and wisdom.
THE ORIGINS: EARLY SIGHTINGS AND SEA DEITIES
The story of the mermaid is ancient. The earliest known references to mermaid-like beings can be traced back to ancient Assyria, around 1000 BCE. The tale tells of Atargatis, a goddess who was so grief-stricken after accidentally killing her human lover that she cast herself into a lake and transformed into a fish.
The waters, however, would not conceal her full beauty, so she became half-fish and half-woman—perhaps the first recorded mermaid.
In the centuries that followed, civilizations all over the world began to speak of sea creatures with human features. The Greeks had their sirens, who were originally birdlike but later morphed into fish-tailed women in medieval storytelling.
The Romans believed in nymphs and sea spirits, and the Celts told stories of selkies—seal folk who could shed their skins and become human.
These myths were not merely entertainment; they helped people understand the sea, especially in a time when its depths were unknown, its storms unforgiving, and its creatures strange and awe-inspiring.
LEGENDS FROM EVERY SHORE
Across the world, mermaid-like beings began to take form in folklore and religion.
In Africa, the spiritual being Mami Wata was often described as a mermaid and was deeply associated with healing, fertility, and wealth—but also danger. Revered in various West African and Caribbean spiritual systems, Mami Wata could be both benevolent and punishing, depending on how she was treated.
In Japanese folklore, there is the ningyo, a creature resembling a mermaid but with a more eerie appearance—fish-like with a human face. It was said that eating its flesh would bring long life or immortality, though catching a ningyo could bring storms or misfortune.
In the British Isles, stories of merrows, selkies, and water spirits were common. These tales often revolved around love and sorrow—mermaids who fell in love with land-dwellers but were ultimately pulled back to the sea, or humans who captured a mermaid only to lose her forever.
MEDIEVAL EUROPE: FROM WORSHIP TO WARNING
As time went on and Christianity spread through Europe, many earlier sea deities and spirits were reinterpreted as symbols of sin or temptation. Mermaids were no exception. In medieval bestiaries, they were often used to warn against vanity and lust. They were shown with combs and mirrors, alluring and beautiful, yet dangerous—capable of luring sailors to their doom.
These darker tales emphasized the dangers of the unknown and the perils of feminine seduction, reinforcing societal beliefs at the time. Carvings of mermaids appeared even in churches and cathedrals, often as cautionary figures.
Yet despite these warnings, fascination never faded. Sailors continued to report sightings of mermaids throughout the Age of Exploration. Some of these were likely sightings of manatees or dugongs, but the allure of the mermaid—romantic, mysterious, otherworldly—persisted.
MERMAIDS IN LITERATURE AND IMAGINATION
In the 19th century, the mermaid took on a more sympathetic tone with Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” (1837). This tale of longing, love, and sacrifice became one of the most enduring versions of the myth, though far more tragic than later retellings. The story introduced the idea of a mermaid who desired a human soul, elevating the figure to one of spiritual yearning.
By the 20th and 21st centuries, mermaids found a new home in fantasy fiction, animation, and popular culture. From fairytales to blockbuster films, they have been reimagined as heroines, rebels, adventurers, and guardians of the sea. But even in these modern portrayals, the ancient echoes remain.
THE LASTING POWER OF THE MERMAID
The myth of the mermaid is more than a simple story—it is a reflection of humanity’s relationship with the sea and with mystery itself. Across cultures and time periods, mermaids have been warnings, dreams, lovers, goddesses, and monsters.
They are enduring symbols of our fascination with what lies beneath the surface—of water, of the soul, and of the unknown. Whether feared or adored, the mermaid continues to swim through the imagination of every generation, never fully belonging to one world or the other.
People to this day still claim to have seen mermaids or believe they are real for several compelling reasons—rooted in psychology, culture, history, and the mystery of the sea itself. Here’s a thoughtful and descriptive explanation of why the legend of mermaids continues to live on in modern times:
THE OCEAN REMAINS VAST AND MYSTERIOUS
The sea is immense, wild, and largely unexplored. Despite advances in science and technology, more than 80 percent of the world’s oceans remain uncharted. The deep ocean holds species we have never seen, behaviors we don’t understand, and movements we cannot track.
This natural mystery leaves room for belief. When people are on the open water—especially in isolated areas, during long voyages, or under challenging weather conditions—they can see shapes, hear sounds, or feel presences they cannot explain. These ambiguous sensations can easily be interpreted as something familiar yet otherworldly—like a mermaid.
HISTORICAL INFLUENCE AND THE POWER OF STORYTELLING
Centuries of folklore, sailor tales, and literature have shaped the collective imagination. Explorers like Christopher Columbus reported seeing mermaids near the Caribbean, though what he likely saw were manatees. Yet his report added legitimacy to the myth.
Sailors, isolated at sea for long periods, would share stories of strange beings seen near reefs or during moonlit nights. These tales were often passed down, exaggerated, or mystified. Even today, people in coastal villages, fishing communities, or island cultures often grow up hearing mermaid stories that are treated as cultural truth or spiritual lore.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PHENOMENA AND OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
There are times when the human mind tries to make sense of something unfamiliar by relating it to something known. In psychology, this is called pareidolia—the tendency to see faces or human features in natural forms.
A wave pattern, a swimming seal, or even the silhouette of a log can appear, in a fleeting moment, like a woman with long hair and a shimmering tail.
When combined with fatigue, dehydration, or the stress of being at sea, these illusions can become powerful and convincing. The experience feels real to the person witnessing it, especially when no one else is around to contradict them.
CULTURAL BELIEFS AND SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS
In many cultures, mermaids or water spirits are still taken seriously—not as fictional characters, but as part of spiritual or ancestral knowledge. In West Africa and the Caribbean, Mami Wata is still honored and believed in. In parts of Southeast Asia, sea maidens are part of animistic belief systems.
For those raised in such traditions, seeing a mermaid might not just be a visual event—it can be seen as a vision, an omen, or even a spiritual encounter. In these contexts, the mermaid is not “imaginary” but part of the seen and unseen worlds interacting.
HUMAN DESIRE FOR WONDER AND POSSIBILITY
There is also a deeper, more poetic reason people still say they’ve seen mermaids: the desire for wonder. The idea that something magical might exist beneath the surface of reality keeps the world feeling alive.
Mermaids represent mystery, freedom, and the unknown. They are beautiful, elusive, and not bound by the rules of the ordinary world.
When someone says they’ve seen a mermaid, it may reflect a longing to believe that not everything has been explained or conquered. It is a soft rebellion against the modern age’s obsession with certainty and proof.
BETWEEN IMAGINATION AND REALITY
People still speak of mermaid sightings today not only because of what they see, but because of what they hope, feel, and believe. Whether shaped by illusions, tradition, or the timeless call of the sea, mermaids remain alive in human imagination.
Not everyone who sees a mermaid is necessarily mistaken or deceitful—some are simply touched by that ancient mystery that hovers just beneath the surface of the world.
The sea holds its secrets tightly. And for some, seeing a mermaid might be less about the creature and more about the message it carries—of something more beautiful, wilder, and more meaningful than we can explain.
Throughout history, mermaids have been portrayed in quite different ways depending on the culture, the time period, and the purpose of the story being told. What we see today in children’s movies is often a softened, more romanticized version of what used to be a far more complex and sometimes frightening figure.
Here’s a deeper look at how this shift happened:
HISTORICAL MERMAIDS: MYSTERIOUS, DANGEROUS, AND SEDUCTIVE
In much of ancient and medieval history, mermaids were not friendly creatures. They were often used to symbolize danger, particularly the kind of danger that lures you in with beauty or charm.
In Greek mythology, sirens (who were later conflated with mermaids) lured sailors to their deaths with their enchanting voices. Ships would crash into rocks as the men lost control of their senses.
In European folklore, mermaids were sometimes considered omens of storms, shipwrecks, or death. They were believed to be capable of dragging sailors underwater, either out of vengeance, loneliness, or their own wild nature.
In medieval Christian Europe, mermaids were used in church carvings and manuscripts as symbols of vanity, lust, and sin—often shown with a comb and mirror, like a sea version of a temptress.
Even in other global traditions, mermaids weren’t always benevolent. In Japanese, African, and Celtic folklore, mermaid-like beings could curse, drown, or trap humans. They were often mysterious and morally ambiguous, not evil but certainly not safe.
MODERN MERMAIDS: KIND, CURIOUS, AND ROMANTICIZED
Fast-forward to more recent centuries, and especially into the 19th and 20th centuries, and mermaids began to change in tone.
Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” (1837) told the story of a gentle, longing mermaid who gives up everything—including her voice and ultimately her life—for love. Though tragic, it portrayed her as noble, self-sacrificing, and misunderstood.
This theme carried into modern children’s media, especially with Disney’s animated version of The Little Mermaid (1989), where Ariel is cheerful, curious, and kind-hearted—a far cry from the deadly sirens of ancient Greece.
Pop culture often now uses mermaids as symbols of freedom, rebellion, and beauty. They’re featured in toys, cartoons, and stories that portray them as adventurous, brave, and misunderstood beings who just want to explore the human world.
MODERN HORROR AND CAUTIONARY TALES: THE SCARY MERMAIDS RETURN
Despite the trend toward friendly mermaids, there has also been a recent resurgence of the dark mermaid archetype, especially in adult or horror-themed media.
Films, books, and shows in the last two decades have revisited the predatory or monstrous mermaid—the kind that sings sailors to their deaths or hides sharp teeth behind a beautiful face. These stories remind us of the older legends where mermaids were creatures of temptation, nature’s fury, and revenge.
The contrast helps create suspense and intrigue. When mermaids are depicted as dangerous in modern storytelling, it’s usually to reclaim their ancient power, show their connection to the untamed sea, or warn us against underestimating what we don’t understand.
WHY THIS DUALITY EXISTS
The mermaid has always been a mirror of human imagination. She can be innocent or dangerous, beautiful, or deadly, kind, or cruel. This duality reflects how people have historically viewed the sea itself—sometimes calm and full of life, other times violent and deadly.
In children’s stories, mermaids often represent hope, wonder, and belonging. In darker or more traditional tales, they represent mystery, temptation, and nature’s wrath.
Both versions tell us something valuable about human fears, desires, and the way we relate to the unknown.
When people hear the word “mermaid,” their reactions are shaped by a mix of culture, personal experience, and even gender. While everyone is different, there are some common patterns in how mermaids are perceived by men and women, especially in modern Western culture. These reactions often reflect deeper ideas about beauty, mystery, danger, and identity.
WHAT GUYS TYPICALLY THINK OF MERMAIDS
For many men, the image of a mermaid can carry a blend of fascination, allure, and danger:
Attraction and Fantasy
Mermaids are often seen as mysterious and seductive, combining beauty with the exotic. This goes back to the siren myths and old sea legends, where mermaids were both irresistible and deadly. Some men view them through the lens of fantasy or romanticism, as symbols of unattainable beauty or wild femininity.
Curiosity and Adventure
Some guys associate mermaids with adventure stories—like those told by sailors or featured in pirate tales. Mermaids can represent uncharted territory or the unknown, which can spark a sense of exploration or daring.
Humor or Skepticism
Depending on the context, some men might also react with playfulness or disbelief. To them, mermaids may seem like pure fantasy, something fun to joke about or dismiss as myth—especially if they haven’t been exposed to deeper cultural or symbolic meanings.
Danger and Power
In darker interpretations, mermaids are seen as dangerous temptresses, capable of luring men to their doom. This interpretation ties into older masculine fears of being manipulated or overpowered by beauty or mystery.
WHAT WOMEN TYPICALLY THINK OF MERMAIDS
For many women, mermaids often evoke a more personal, symbolic, or empowering response:
Freedom and Feminine Power
Mermaids are often seen as strong, independent, and free-spirited. They live in the vast ocean, outside of society’s rules. For many women and girls, the mermaid symbolizes liberation, confidence, and self-possession—especially in a world that often tries to box women in.
Beauty and Fantasy
From a young age, many women are introduced to mermaids through stories like The Little Mermaid, where mermaids are not only beautiful but also thoughtful, curious, and longing for something more. This image can spark feelings of dreaminess, transformation, and inner strength.
Dual Nature and Identity
The mermaid’s half-human, half-fish identity often resonates with women who feel torn between roles—such as modern vs. traditional expectations, or logic vs. emotion. The mermaid becomes a symbol of dual identity and the complexity of womanhood.
Sisterhood and Self-Discovery
In many modern portrayals, mermaids are depicted not as romantic objects but as part of a female community, each with their own magic and personality. This aspect appeals to ideas of self-discovery, sisterhood, and personal transformation.
SHARED THEMES AND DIFFERENCES
Both men and women may be drawn to the mystery, beauty, and power of mermaids.
Men often focus more on the external image and danger or romance of mermaids.
Women more often connect to the internal meaning, symbolism, and empowerment that mermaids can represent.
That said, cultural exposure matters. For example, someone who grew up reading fantasy novels may think of mermaids differently than someone who heard old sailor stories or who follows spiritual traditions that treat mermaids as real.
MERMAIDS AS SYMBOLS OF TRANSFORMATION
One of the most fascinating elements of mermaids is their role as symbols of transformation and liminality—the state of being in between two worlds. They are neither fully human nor fully fish, neither wholly of the land nor of the sea.
This in-between nature has made them powerful metaphors for emotional or spiritual change. In folklore and literature, the mermaid often marks a threshold moment—a crossing point from childhood to adulthood, from innocence to experience, or from safety to risk.
Some stories, particularly in older traditions, depict people transforming into mermaids as a punishment or escape, which underscores the theme of identity loss, rebirth, or freedom from societal constraint.
THE MERMAID’S CONNECTION TO THE MOON AND WATER CYCLES
Mermaids are deeply connected to the moon, tides, and cycles of nature—especially the rhythms of water and femininity. In many ancient belief systems, water was considered the element of emotions, intuition, and feminine energy.
Just as the moon pulls the tides, mermaids were thought to have control over emotional currents or spiritual flow. Some folk legends say mermaids could sing at specific moon phases to bring fish near or cause storms to pass.
In this sense, mermaids can be seen as natural guardians or representations of the mysterious balance between chaos and calm, intuition and intellect, mystery, and truth.
SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL THEORIES BEHIND THE MYTH
There are anthropological theories that suggest mermaid myths may have been inspired by real sightings of aquatic animals, such as manatees, dugongs, or seals, which, when seen from a distance, especially through heat haze or fog, could appear human-like. Another theory proposes that the mermaid archetype emerged as a cross-cultural explanation for the ocean’s unpredictability and danger. People who disappeared at sea, boats that vanished without explanation, and strange sounds beneath the waves were often blamed on mermaids. As human understanding of science and marine life developed, these supernatural explanations faded, but the archetype remained, transformed into legend.
MERMAIDS IN POLITICAL AND FEMINIST SYMBOLISM
In recent decades, mermaids have taken on a surprising role as symbols in feminist and environmental movements. For some, the mermaid’s defiance of societal norms, her independence, and her wild nature serve as a rejection of patriarchal expectations.
Artists, writers, and activists have used the mermaid image to explore themes of feminine strength, body autonomy, and self-discovery. Additionally, in the context of environmentalism, mermaids have appeared as symbolic defenders of the oceans—beings who suffer when pollution or climate change affects the sea, reminding humanity of its responsibility to care for the planet.
CULTURAL ADAPTATIONS AND THE GLOBAL MERMAID PHENOMENON
Every culture that has lived near water seems to have its own version of the mermaid myth, and each brings something unique.
In Thailand, there is a mermaid statue on the beach of Songkhla based on a local legend of a golden-combed sea maiden. In Russia, the rusalki are water spirits—often tragic female figures connected to drowned maidens or betrayed lovers.
In Brazil, the seductive and mysterious Iara lures men to the water’s depths. These variations show how adaptable and universally human the mermaid concept is—used to express grief, danger, romance, spirituality, or cultural memory depending on the region.
The image of the mermaid continues to evolve in fascinating and dynamic ways in art, fashion, pop culture, and personal identity—far beyond children’s stories or old folklore. Today’s mermaid has become a powerful icon, not just a mythical creature, but a canvas for creativity, rebellion, self-expression, and even social commentary. Here’s how the mermaid image is being reimagined and reshaped in modern times:
IN FASHION: FROM FANTASY TO HIGH STYLE
Mermaids have found their way into mainstream and high fashion, often inspiring designs that reflect their mystical, fluid, and powerful presence. Designers frequently use shimmering fabrics, scale patterns, iridescent textures, and flowing silhouettes that mimic the sea.
Runway collections and costume lines have incorporated shell bras, fishtail gowns, and sea-green palettes, not only to suggest enchantment but also to explore themes of transformation and bold femininity.
Street fashion and festival wear (like at music events or fantasy conventions) have adopted the mermaid look too—what some call “mermaidcore.” This aesthetic includes glitter, holographic makeup, pastel-colored hair, and sequined tops. It’s playful, unapologetically bold, and deeply tied to ideas of freedom, beauty, and rebellion against conventional looks.
IN ART: SYMBOLISM, EMPOWERMENT, AND IDENTITY
Contemporary artists have taken the mermaid and reimagined her through many cultural lenses. In visual art, mermaids are often used to confront gender stereotypes, explore racial identity, or symbolize ecological destruction. For example:
Some artists reframe the mermaid not as a slim, pale, delicate creature, but as Black, Indigenous, curvy, powerful, or androgynous, pushing back against the narrow ideals often seen in earlier depictions.
Others create mermaid art as commentary on water pollution or ocean loss, showing mermaids trapped in plastic or fleeing oil spills—a way to give a mythical voice to the sea’s suffering.
Still others turn the mermaid into a figure of personal survival, especially among those who have felt “between two worlds” themselves—like immigrants, mixed-race individuals, or LGBTQ+ communities.
MERMAIDS AND IDENTITY: SUBCULTURES AND PERSONAL EXPRESSION
A surprising modern twist is the growth of “real-life mermaids”—people who engage in mermaiding as a lifestyle, art, or career.
There are professional mermaids who perform in aquariums, at children’s parties, or in underwater shows, wearing handmade silicone tails and practicing freediving skills. For them, being a mermaid is not a costume—it’s a form of self-identity, discipline, and storytelling.
For others, mermaiding is a form of escapism and healing. It allows people to temporarily leave the pressures of everyday life, reconnect with water, and embrace a version of themselves that feels magical and free. The mermaid becomes a personal symbol of confidence, uniqueness, and transformation.
IN POP CULTURE AND REPRESENTATION
New books, TV shows, and films have also begun diversifying the mermaid image, moving beyond the traditional “Ariel-type” ideal. For example, casting mermaids of different races and backgrounds (as seen in Disney’s live-action Little Mermaid with a Black actress in the lead role) has stirred discussion about representation, tradition, and who gets to embody magic.
Fantasy writers and illustrators today frequently feature mermaids in darker, wiser, or more empowered roles, challenging the helpless or lovesick depictions of the past. Some stories show mermaids as warriors, queens, or leaders of underwater civilizations, fully in control of their destinies.
THE MERMAID AS A MIRROR OF MODERN DREAMS
In today’s world, the mermaid continues to evolve—no longer just a symbol of fantasy or danger, but of possibility, self-expression, and identity. Whether through fashion, art, performance, or storytelling, people are reclaiming and redefining the mermaid image in ways that speak to today’s values: inclusivity, empowerment, environmental awareness, and individuality.
Mermaids, as half-human, half-fish beings, are not real in the biological or scientific sense—there is no verified evidence that such creatures exist or ever existed in our oceans. But the question of whether they are “real” is also more complex than a simple yes or no, depending on what kind of “real” we mean.
IN TERMS OF PHYSICAL EXISTENCE
There has never been credible, scientifically supported proof that mermaids exist. Over the centuries, many supposed mermaid sightings were later understood to be:
Misidentified animals like manatees, dugongs, or seals, especially when seen by tired sailors from a distance.
Folklore passed down through generations, becoming more embellished over time.
Stories created to explain the unknown—strange tides, shipwrecks, or disappearing fishermen.
Science has mapped large portions of the ocean and studied marine biology extensively, and no creature resembling the classic mermaid has been found.
IN TERMS OF MYTH, CULTURE, AND SYMBOLISM
In another sense, mermaids are real—very real—in human culture, imagination, and symbolism. Across nearly every part of the world where people have lived near water, stories of mermaid-like beings exist. They have appeared in:
Folktales and oral traditions going back thousands of years
Art, sculpture, and mythology in places as diverse as Africa, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas
Modern movies, books, tattoos, fashion, and lifestyle choices
So while mermaids may not swim in the ocean alongside whales and dolphins, they absolutely live in the human imagination, and continue to evolve as powerful symbols—of beauty, mystery, danger, independence, and identity.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE STILL SAY THEY’VE SEEN ONE?
Even today, people claim to have seen mermaids. These claims often come from:
Misinterpretations of marine animals or shadows in the water
Mythical storytelling kept alive in certain cultures or communities
Deep personal spiritual beliefs or visions that aren’t meant to be taken as physical sightings, but symbolic or sacred experiences
Sometimes even hoaxes, exaggerations, or tales meant to stir wonder or attention
So, are mermaids real? Not in the sense of living, breathing ocean creatures like sharks or dolphins. But as part of human culture, identity, and storytelling, they are as real—and as enduring—as any other mythological figure. And sometimes, the things we imagine say just as much about our world as the things we can touch.
Mermaids have long captured the human imagination, bridging the realms of myth, mystery, and meaning. Though not grounded in scientific reality, they remain deeply “real” in the way they move through our cultures, stories, art, and even our dreams.
Whether depicted as dangerous sirens, gentle ocean maidens, symbols of feminine power, or guardians of the sea, mermaids continue to evolve with the times. Their enduring presence speaks to humanity’s fascination with the unknown, the longing for freedom, and the beauty of transformation.
The figure of the mermaid invites us to look beneath the surface—not just of the sea, but of ourselves. She is a reminder that mystery still exists in a world that seeks to explain everything, and that wonder has a place even in the modern age.
While we may never find mermaids in the physical depths of the ocean, we find them again and again in stories, in culture, in art, and in the powerful symbols we use to express parts of ourselves that are harder to put into words.
In the end, the mermaid is more than a creature of myth—she is a mirror. She reflects our fears, desires, identities, and transformations. And in doing so, she remains timeless.
You can explore the fascinating world of mermaids—including their myths, symbolism, and modern cultural impact—through a combination of books, academic sources, documentaries, and reputable websites.
HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF WHERE TO LOOK DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF INFORMATION YOU’RE SEEKING:
Books (Folklore, History, and Culture)
These are excellent for deeper, well-researched insight:
- “Mermaids: The Myths, Legends, and Lore” by Skye Alexander
A well-rounded overview of mermaid stories from around the world, covering their symbolic meanings, myths, and evolution. - “Mermaids and Other Inhabitants of the Deep” by Brian J. Frost
A deeper historical study of how mermaid tales have evolved in folklore, art, and culture. - “Siren Song: My Life in Music” by Seymour Stein
Although this is a memoir, it touches on how mermaids and sirens are symbolic in pop culture and music, offering cultural reflection. - “Spirits of the Water” by Claude Lecouteux
Explores aquatic spirits and mermaids in European folklore with a strong historical and mythological lens.
Web Resources and Archives
- Smithsonian Magazine and National Geographic
Occasionally publish articles on the historical and cultural significance of mermaids and other mythological creatures. - The British Library (bl.uk)
Offers digital exhibitions and articles on folklore and mythical beings, including mermaids in old maps and texts. - Mythology.net and Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)
These sites compile myths and legends from various world cultures and often feature well-written summaries on mermaid lore. - Folklore Society (folklore-society.com)
An academic resource that publishes research on mythology, including water spirits like mermaids.
Documentaries and Educational Videos
- “Mermaids: The Body Found” (Animal Planet, 2012)
A fictional docudrama that caused controversy but raised awareness and public interest in mermaid mythology. - “The Real Story of Mermaids” (National Geographic Channel)
A more grounded look at mermaid legends and their cultural context. - YouTube Channels like CrashCourse, PBS Eons, or Mythology & Fiction Explained
These channels provide accessible videos on mythology and folklore, sometimes touching on aquatic myths like mermaids and sirens.
Scholarly Journals and Articles
If you’re interested in academic perspectives:
- JSTOR.org
Search for articles on mermaids, sirens, folklore, or water spirits. Many university libraries allow free access or temporary reading permissions. - Google Scholar
Look for scholarly articles using terms like “mermaid folklore,” “sirens in mythology,” or “mermaids in cultural symbolism.”
Modern Cultural Sources
- ArtStation and DeviantArt
Browse how modern artists reinterpret mermaids in fantasy and cultural themes. - Social media hashtags like #MermaidArt or #Mermaidcore
These can reveal how current generations express the mermaid archetype in fashion, identity, and community.