{"id":119568,"date":"2026-09-03T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=119568"},"modified":"2026-09-03T11:30:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T09:30:08","slug":"mermaid-myth-transformed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/mermaid-myth-transformed\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Mermaid Myth Transformed Over Centuries"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.416666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:74.833333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creatures who are half-human, half-fish have been <strong>haunting our imagination<\/strong> since the beginning of time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their imagery was carved into temple walls, and sailors spread stories about them all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They show up in nearly every place that touches water, under different names and roles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An entire <strong>chain of myths<\/strong> describes mermaids! In some, they&rsquo;re goddesses, in others, they&rsquo;re monsters.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either way, they make us long for mystery and adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Prehistoric Water Spirits<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119699\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119699 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/prehistoric_mermaid_cave_painting-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We don&rsquo;t have the exact timeline for when mermaids were first mentioned, but we do have clues that go very deep into the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prehistoric peoples were obsessed with water because of its <strong>divine duality<\/strong>; it has the power to give and take life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rivers, lakes, and oceans felt alive and almost conscious! People felt like something truly intelligent lived in those depths, something that watched them back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alguns <strong>prehistoric carvings<\/strong> and figurines show hybrid beings, part animal and part human.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To prehistoric people, water was a threshold between the known and the unknown. And we&rsquo;ve always had the need to give a face to the unknown in an attempt to <strong>make it more familiar<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shape that mermaids were given reflected that incredible duality. They were partly familiar and human, and partly something that belongs to the cold depths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Atargatis<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119702\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn.jpg\" alt=\"ancient mermaid goddess\" class=\"wp-image-119702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"ancient mermaid goddess\" class=\"wp-image-119702 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/atargatis_mermaid_dawn-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we speak of the origin of mermaids, most historians point to the <strong>ancient Near East<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thousands of years ago, <strong>goddess Atargatis<\/strong> was worshipped in Assyria and Syria as a protector of fertility and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&rsquo;s said that she threw herself into a lake out of shame and came out transformed, her lower body looking like a fish tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She is the first documented human-fish hybrid in all of mythology, and her story kind of sets the tone for how we view these mythical women to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shame, transformation, and exile between the sea and the land have been part of their story ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Babylonians also believed in <strong>Oannes<\/strong>, a fish-tailed being who came from the sea to teach humans writing and agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&rsquo;s clear that they weren&rsquo;t seen as minor spirits, but as great deities who helped humans build the first civilizations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Myths of Sirens, Nereids, and Sea Nymphs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119697\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119697 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/underwater_triton_nereids-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people think of the Greek mythology when it comes to mermaids, but the original sirens weren&rsquo;t actually fish-tailed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They were <strong>bird-women<\/strong> who lived on rocky cliffs and lured sailors into shipwrecks with their singing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over centuries, this myth blended with <strong>other Mediterranean traditions<\/strong>, and the siren slowly gained scales and a tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nereids from the Greek mythology are similar beings. They&rsquo;re benevolent <strong>sea nymphs<\/strong> who guided ships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the myth, there were fifty of them, joined by Triton, the son of Poseidon, who controlled the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greek sailors respected and feared these beings. The sea was chaotic in itself, so they attempted to contain its nature in the form of a beautiful trickster woman who lured sailors to their death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This description follows them everywhere. They&rsquo;re never just pretty, but <strong>always dangerous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They were created as humanity&rsquo;s attempt to negotiate with something enormous and wild, and survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Fish-Tailed Gods<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-115502\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-115502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-960x542.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-1080x609.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"677\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20677'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='677'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-115502 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-960x542.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-1080x609.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/dagon-bible-gods-false-3-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/scontent.fbnx2-1.fna.fbcdn.net\/v\/t1.6435-9\/83478563_10163636383545317_6856944195434740962_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_tt6&amp;cstp=mx1514x900&amp;ctp=s1514x900&amp;_nc_cat=110&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=536f4a&amp;_nc_ohc=xcsypzg5wt0Q7kNvwGU5TNH&amp;_nc_oc=AdqBjnJcsNrulrRBDWTy8g7Rf-Muh7Wnz2LJqpOiKRWPQ6t2DX2R89KqTgki4VUtEDA&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fbnx2-1.fna&amp;_nc_gid=TBX_Tcx28Yb9QkzyMkGjxA&amp;_nc_ss=7b2a8&amp;oh=00_Af_ZZnLJ4M79XJfq81BKC2s_--gyd5lOzqiKXfg8uY1BUA&amp;oe=6A64C7B0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; scontent.fbnx2-1.fna.fbcdn<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not all fish-people myths came from one another. Many of them were created independently, across civilizations that had no contact with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H\u00e1<strong> Ea or Enki<\/strong>, who was a wise water god, often presented with a fish tail and human torso.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An Indian fish-being <strong>Matsya<\/strong>, saved humanity from a great flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Philistines worshipped <strong>Dagon<\/strong>, a fish-god, who brought grain and prosperity. He was even mentioned in the Bible as one of the false gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In parts of ancient China, people also believed in river deities with aquatic bodies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many scholars agree that mermaids reflect something in our psychology. Everywhere in the world, water was the same dangerous, life-giving force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Giving it a half-human face gave people a concrete figure to appease and worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Dragon Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119698\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119698 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mystical_underwater_encounter-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This connection is often overlooked, but throughout mythology, the line between sea-serpents, dragons, and mermaids was often very thin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They all represented <strong>untamed water<\/strong>; they were <strong>shape-shifters<\/strong>, living in a liminal space between the land and the abyss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Melusine is a great example. She&rsquo;s a creature of European folklore, part human, part serpent, but sometimes, she was depicted with a fish tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She became a <strong>mythical ancestor<\/strong> of noble families, which tied the mermaid lore directly to power and nobility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across East Asia, dragon kings ruled in underwater palaces, and their helpers or daughters frequently had fish tails.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mystery also connected these two beings. They both punished the greedy and the curious, and guarded holy secrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Temptress from the Deep<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119700\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119700 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scaled_mermaid_boat-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the Middle Ages, the view of mermaids (d)evolved together with the <strong>view of women<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They were no longer divine teachers or demons who protected their space, but temptresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">European sailors, map-makers, and monks filled bestiaries with warnings about the beautiful half-fish women who <strong>seduced men<\/strong> and drowned them in the depths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The creature became a symbol of temptation, often compared to <strong>vanity, sin,<\/strong> and the seductive dangers of the flesh. This is why they&rsquo;re often presented with mirrors and combs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sailors swore they had seen them, and these sightings were considered a very bad omen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This era gave the creature her most enduring reputation: gorgeous and never to be trusted!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another reason this myth was revived in the Middle Ages was all the <strong>explora\u00e7\u00e3o<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People traveled unknown waters more than ever before, so the myth became very relevant once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Mermaids Around the World<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119703\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119703 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/scottish_merrow_coastal-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Japanese mythology, there&rsquo;s a creature named ningyo, who was essentially a fish with a human face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was believed that catching it would bring you <strong>infort\u00fanio<\/strong>, but at the same time, consuming it could grant <strong>eternal life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Ireland and Scotland, there were <strong>merrows<\/strong>, who sometimes married humans after losing a magical cap that let them return to the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">West African and Caribbean traditions spoke of <strong>Mami Wata<\/strong>, a powerful water spirit associated with beauty, healing, wealth, and danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&rsquo;s fascinating how differently all these cultures approached mermaids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It tells us that this myth wasn&rsquo;t spread around the world like a rumor, but that it originated in different places at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Rusalki<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-119701\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20576'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='576'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-119701 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-960x540.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/slavic_rusalki_night-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slavic folklore added its own spin to the mermaid myth with the rusalka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These lake spirits don&rsquo;t have a divine origin, but a tragic one. Traditionally, they were the <strong>souls of young women<\/strong> who died near water or drowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, they were betrayed or had some unfinished business, which turned them <strong>inquieto<\/strong> and aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also dragged men into the water, but interestingly, they would sometimes force women to join them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rusalki also look like beautiful women with fish tails, and they&rsquo;re often considered the<strong> face of grief<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike the ocean, lakes were still and easy to explore, but they still caused deaths, which is why this myth is so different.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Why We Can&rsquo;t Stop Fantasizing About Them<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-118071\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"898\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118071\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look.png 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-1024x766.png 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-2048x1533.png 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-16x12.png 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-728x546.png 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-960x718.png 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-1080x808.png 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-170x127.png 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"898\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20898'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='898'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-118071 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look.png 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-1024x766.png 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-768x575.png 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-2048x1533.png 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-16x12.png 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-728x546.png 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-960x718.png 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-1080x808.png 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cancer-mermaid-look-170x127.png 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/\">&copy; Angelynum<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, why has this idea survived for thousands of years, and more importantly, why does it continue to live today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because mermaids continue to exist exactly where we&rsquo;re most uncomfortable: at the edge of chaos that still remains largely unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We know more about outer space than we do about <strong>the ocean<\/strong>, so this <strong>mist\u00e9rio<\/strong> is still very relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, popular <strong>tales and movies<\/strong> have turned them into some of the most beloved fantastical creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Briefly, there was even a rumor on the internet that scientists had found proof that mermaids were real, and even pictures of a skeleton with a human torso and a long fish tail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as oceans stay deep and mostly unknown, these beautiful beings will have their place in our imagination.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Creatures who are half-human, half-fish have been haunting our imagination since the beginning of time.&nbsp; Their imagery was carved into temple walls, and sailors spread &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":119703,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[184],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mythology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119568","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119568"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119568\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":122136,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119568\/revisions\/122136"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}