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Mermaids have long been the subject of fascination, being so alluring while yet eluding public view. But some people claim to have set their eyes on them. Do they look like the sailors of the 1800s, sick, tired, and potentially delusional? Or is it a lie?
Mermaids have been spotted for a long time. On his voyage, Christopher Columbus wrote a journal about seeing mermaids. What exactly are mermaids, and how would they differ from humans? In this post, I'll answer your queries about mermaids and provide a brief history, facts, popular culture, mythology, and media overview.
Description and Appearance
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A mermaid is a mythical aquatic creature, often described as possessing the head and body of an attractive woman and the tail of a fish below the waist instead of legs. In folklore, mermaids are said to be beautiful women who sing songs that enchant listeners.
For thousands of years, tales of mermaids have circulated worldwide, from Ireland's rocky coastlines to South Africa's arid Karoo desert. The word mermaid is a combination of "mere" (English word for sea) and "maid" (a young woman).
Habitats
This is self-evident. According to legend, mermaids are said to dwell in the sea and visit marine locations all over the world. However, there are reports of mermaids living in lakes and rivers as well.
The mermaid is also a popular spiritual figure or deity. They are more metaphysical and may not be seen, but they can be worshiped and interacted with via spiritual engagement.
In addition, mermaids might dwell in Atlantis. The Lost City of Atlantis is a made-up island that has sunk and now lies beneath the surface. In certain novels and films, mermaids may be found there.
Diets
There are arguments about whether a mermaid eats fish, although she is primarily mythical and a creation of folklore. Because mermaids reside in specific areas, their diets are determined by where they live. This is why some scientists think that particular mermaids only consume kelp and seaweed.
Most people would reply, "Mermaids adore seafood," which refers to fish, clams, and crabs. Some mermaids see fish as friends rather than food. Vegetarian or herbivorous mermaids consume algae and other plants.
Reproduction
Mermaids likely reproduce in the same manner as fish since they have the lower anatomy of a fish. Mermaids do not have external parts; therefore, they are not fish. Depending on the species, fish can reproduce in a variety of ways. Humans and fish have comparable reproductive organs, except that they are not visible.
The female deposits the eggs in water droplets, and the male fertilizes. Some fish, however, engage in mating or intercourse. There are also some kinds of fish that can self-fertilize.
The most likely explanation for mermaid reproduction is that they mate in the same manner as humans. I believe mermaids have some kind of intimacy, perhaps similar to humans.
Mermaids also are recorded to be polyamorous. Polyamory, in a nutshell, is the practice or desire for numerous intimate connections with the informed consent of all partners involved.
Another idea is that mermaids are animals like humans and dolphins, which means they can procreate. They would keep their infant in their womb until it was time to deliver. When the baby is ready to be born, the mother's lower abdomen stretches in a vertical line to allow them to emerge.
Anatomy of a Mermaid
Often, people demand to know more about the making of a mermaid. To our knowledge, a mermaid has an upper-body similar to a human and a fishtail as its lower form. Based on this knowledge, people can make several assumptions.
The skeleton of a mermaid is similar to that of a human's torso, and they would also possess the same organs and internal workings. However, since mermaids are half fish, they presumably mean that their reproductive system would be that of a fish.
Mermaids are Scary
Mermaids were once seen as scary creatures, and sailors were terrified of mermaid sightings.
Mermaids were always thought to be bad luck. If sailors on a ship saw a mermaid in the ocean, the trip was predicted to go awry. The mermaid tears produce an aquamarine gemstone with abilities to defend mariners in the sea.
In the Middle Ages, a mermaid represented desire and sin. Churches used mermaids and sirens to educate Christians about salvation, sin, and lewdness.
Sirens, which are frequently associated with mermaids, are said to be incredibly attractive. Don't be fooled by their beauty and enchanting voice, for they can deceive and enthrall men. Sirens will generally employ their four superpowers of hypnosis, telepathy, immortality, and foresight-seeing to destroy. The same abilities apply to mermaids.
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Gage Beasley's Big Beautiful Mermaid Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Mermaid Sightings
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Historically, there have been many sightings of mermaids reported. However, no proof of aquatic humanoid has ever been discovered. Furthermore, since merfolk live in the ocean, they would appear more like fish than humans.
There were hundreds of mermaid sightings, and everything was recorded. The mermaid was usually seen in the company of other marine animals such as fish and whales. The sea maidens were a common sight in the seas that seafarers frequently encountered.
Christopher Columbus recorded his sighting of a mermaid. He stated that the mermaid he discovered was not as attractive as folklore suggests and that she had a masculine look. He probably witnessed a dugong or a manatee.
Captain John Smith of Jamestown confirmed that he saw a graceful and attractive mermaid. There is no telling if it was merely a phrase spoken by a writer or whether there is any truth.
Edward Teach, an English pirate, popularly called Blackbeard, was known to avoid a region in the sea where he assumed merfolk lived. This was when he sailed across the waters of the West Indies. Even one of the most infamous pirates feared mermaids.
Linden Wolbert is a full-time mermaid who works professionally across the world. She's from Los Angeles and has the most expensive mermaid tail in the world, a hydro-dynamic tail that weighs about 35 pounds.
Conclusively, mermaids are creatures of myths and legends. There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of such beings. Nevertheless, sightings have been reported throughout history. Mermaids continue to captivate the human imagination and will continue to do so for years to come. Thank you for reading.
Cheers!
~GB
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