Merfolk Mythology from Around the World
For centuries, people have been using writing and oral storytelling to share merfolk mythology. Merfolk are popular in modern movies and television around the world. However, Western media tends to portray one image of what merfolk may have looked like. The image is often a fair-skinned, long-haired maiden perched on a rock.
For example, many of us are familiar with Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Films marketed towards a more mature audience use a similar template, though sometimes a frightening one, such as the mermaids in the 2011 film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Whether depicted as kind and trying to assimilate to the human world or as sirens trying to lure sailors to their death, almost every culture has its own version of merfolk. It is fascinating to learn about the mythology that exists throughout the world. Continue reading to learn more about the diversity of these legends and expand your thinking when it comes to your perceptions of merfolk!
Africa: Mami Wata
Mami Wata is a water spirit worshiped across West, Central, and Southern Africa. Mami Wata is known to heal the sick and bring good luck to her followers, but she is said to have a temper and will drown those who do not obey her.
Mami Wata is a complex figure. People are attracted to her beauty, and the opportunities she represents yet are intimidated by her powers. She possesses many forms, often appearing with the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish or as a snake charmer.
Brazil: Iara
In Brazil, legend has it Iara was a brave young woman living in the Amazon. She was a warrior so well-loved and respected by her community that her brothers’ accomplishments paled in comparison.
Her brothers grew so jealous that they killed her and left her body in the Amazon River. Jaci, the goddess of the moon, felt sorry for her and decided to bring her back as a mermaid. Iara now lives in the Amazonian rivers.
Caribbean Folklore: Maman de l’Eau
In Trinidad and Tobago, Maman de l'Eau, also known as Mama Dlo or Mama Glo, is the protector and healer of all river animals. Half-woman, half-snake, Mama Glo is said to ward off those who commit crimes against the forest, like burning down trees or polluting rivers.
Haiti: La Sirène
La Sirène is a mermaid from Haitian Voodoo. People seek out La Sirène in hopes of unlocking hidden knowledge, but they do so with caution as she obtains the power to lure and kill those who disrespect her.
Jamaica: River Mumma
In Jamaica, River Mumma or River Maiden occupies the rivers. She is said to be a mother to all the fish. Children grow up hearing stories of River Mumma. She is portrayed as both sacred, yet as someone to be feared.
Legend has it that during a full moon, one may be lucky enough to spot her as she sits on a boulder and combs through her hair with a golden comb.
Japan: Kappa
Japan has a version of merfolk called Kappa. Kappa are said to reside in Japanese lakes, coasts, and rivers. They are depicted as child-sized water spirits. They appear more like animals than humans, with tortoise shells on their backs.
Kappa sometimes interacts with people and challenges them to games of skill. Usually, the penalty for losing to Kappa is death. Kappa is said to have an appetite for children and for those who swim alone in remote places, but their favorite snack is said to be fresh cucumbers.
Yorùbá: Oshun
The Yorùbá people worship many important deities, including Oshun and Yemanya. Oshun is known as the goddess of the divine feminine. She represents fertility, sensuality, beauty, and love. She is also associated with the ocean and with water.
Yorùbá: Yemanya
Yemanya is believed to be the Goddess of the oceans and of the moon. While stories of Yemanya originated in Africa, she is now worshiped across Brazil, Haiti, and Cuba.
The Mermaid Within Us All
It is evident that Merfolk are with us in many forms. Their images can be found in books, movies, and fairy tales across the globe. And maybe if we look close enough we can even see them swimming in the ocean waves or looking back at us in our own reflections.
One beautiful aspect of these legends is that they provide us with the freedom to fantasize about merfolk however we see fit. They allow each of us to explore our own relationship to the ocean and to identify with these powerful aquatic creatures regardless of background.
