The history and mythology of mermaids

Mermaids are mythical creatures that have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These half-human, half-fish beings have been depicted in stories, legends, and art from cultures all around the world. In this article, we will explore the history and mythology of mermaids, tracing their origins back to ancient times and examining their evolution over the centuries.

Origins of Mermaid Mythology

The earliest known depictions of mermaids come from ancient Assyria, around 1000 BCE. These early depictions show half-human, half-fish creatures, but they are not yet identified as mermaids. Instead, they are thought to represent the goddess Atargatis, who was worshipped in ancient Syria and Mesopotamia. Atargatis was a fertility goddess who was associated with water, and it is believed that the mermaid-like figures were created to honor her.

The ancient Greeks also had stories of creatures that were half-human, half-fish. The sirens, for example, were female creatures who lured sailors to their deaths with their enchanting singing. The sirens were depicted as having the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a bird, rather than a fish. However, their association with the sea and their seductive nature make them an early precursor to the mermaid myth.