mermaids
Welcome to our learning resource page dedicated to the magical and mystical mermaid!
If you’re diving into this page, then you’ve probably got your hands on one of our colouring mermaid gifts with islands, dolphins, marine life and of course, magical mermaids! This is the place where you can learn a bit more about the history of mermaids, how the legend came to be and more…
As there’s lots to chat about, let’s get started!
Did you know that the stories of these mystical sea-dwellers have been around for thousands of years? And where there is mystery, there is folklore! Many years ago, when people began to explore the vast oceans around the world, they told tales of strange creatures jumping out of the water or bumping into boats. What could these creatures be? Since we didn’t have the means to dive into the deep blue back then, many explorers had to find an explanation using knowledge they had…and that is where folklore and sea legends began!
We can’t say for certain the exact time these myths began, but there are some like the Mesopotamian mythology of Oannes, a male fish-god, that date back over five thousand years! The earliest mermaid-like figure, dates back to 100BC - the Syrian half human/half fish goddess, Atargatis, who was the ruler of life and fertility. Her image was carved on stone temples wearing a ‘mural crown’ – shaped like towers, walls and fortresses.
Can you name any popular tales of mermaids?
Many stories and myths began spreading across the world and the mermaid legend grew! New nicknames for these underwater creatures were created, you may have heard them – “sirens” and “water nymphs”. Even though (like the myth of Atargadis) people believed mermaids to possess magic – their image started to change into dangerous sea-maidens luring ships and sailors to their doom with beautiful singing. But in reality, the sounds probably came from pods of whales – but with no technology to understand or discover this, people believed it to be the mermaids!
There are many artist portrayals of mermaids throughout history, from classic paintings to sculptures and even to modern day animations and television series. The common theme in these depictions is the beauty of mermaids – they were believed to be extremely beautiful creatures! You’ve probably seen lots of different images of mermaids, so why not add your own style?
Have a go at colouring your own mermaid and adding your own hairstyle with these fun, colour-in print outs! Download here.
Time for some quick-fire ‘facts’ about mermaids:
- It is said that mermaids used to collect mirrors, hairbrushes, combs and other human objects.
- One of the most common myths about mermaids, is their enchanting singing voice.
- Old legends of Europe often portray mermaids as unlucky or dangerous. They were often considered omens of a shipwreck.
- In other cultures, mermaids signify life, power, protection and guidance!
- Sightings of mermaids were reported by famous explorers like Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson and Captain John Smith…but after that long at sea, we think we’d be seeing things too!
Spot the difference! (answers at the end of the page)
Have you ever seen a manatee? Well many people believe that manatees and dugongs are often what sailors and explorers mistook to be mermaids! Both of these creatures, affectionately referred to as ‘sea cows’, are known to rise out of the sea in the manner of alluring sirens in Greek mythology, occasionally performing ‘tail stands’ in the shallows – unknowingly tricking sailors into thinking they were mermaids!
Mermaids can be seen in many different places today, including coats of arms (similar to a logo!) for the University of Birmingham and cities like Warsaw. One of the most famous mermaids that you can see today, is The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. This statue is inspired by a ballet performance of the Hans Christian Anderson tale and was created by Edvard Eriken in 1913.
The stories of mermaids are vast and travel far and wide! From Ireland to Africa, many different cultures have their own tales about these mystical creatures. In West, South and Central Africa, a range of tales exist about a mythical water spirit called Mami Wata – the spirit is worshipped for offering beauty, healing and wisdom. In Greece and Rome, the myths of mermaids were similar to those of Europe today. But originally, sirens in ancient Greece were stories of half woman/half bird! You can find out even more fascinating stories about the many different mermaid myths here.
Have a go at writing your own mermaid myth or story!
Spot the difference answers below:
