Mermaids are mythological creatures. From century to century, a whole lot of different legends were formed about them. Either women, or perfumes were described and interpreted in different ways in certain literary works. Be that as it may, but these fictions and legends, most likely, did not appear just like that!
What do mermaids look like?
In different peoples and in different cultures, these creatures are described in their own way. Most often, mermaids are pretty beautiful girls with a human feminine body up to the waist, and below - a fish tail. But not all cultures describe mermaids this way. The concept of mermaids as half-fish girls is characteristic mainly of Western cultures.
The primordial Russian idea of these creatures is completely different: in Russian legends, tailed mermaids are practically not found. In most cases, they are no different from ordinary people, only their habitats are crystal palaces, and all because Russian mermaids are drowned girls who live at the bottom of a river or lake. Often a well becomes the place of residence of a Russian mermaid. In it, she stores the moisture of immortality.
According to the ideas of the ancient Slavs, mermaids are deceased unbaptized girls or drowned girls. It is under water that they are destined to while away their days, therefore, two feelings live in their hearts: love for a mortal beautiful man and an ardent desire for revenge for their ruined fate.
Where do the myths and legends of mermaids come from?
Legends and myths about mermaids have been widespread since the Middle Ages. For example, one of the first literary mentions of these creatures dates back to 1366: the mermaids are mentioned in the "Novel of the Rose", which was written by Geoffrey Chaucer. There you can read the following lines: "It was a miracle, like the singing of sea mermaids." In general, the legends about mermaids are such a fascinating and popular phenomenon that the "heroes of the occasion" themselves, being the products of human fantasies, have already become an eternal and recognizable symbol.
In the modern world, legends and myths about mermaids are formed on the basis of someone's stories, the authenticity of which is not possible. Most of the legends are composed by sailors who allegedly met mermaids on the way of their ships. For example, some sources describe events from the words of certain sailors who allegedly saw mermaids in the sea and even tried to talk to them, but they did not utter a word.
Another historical fact describes an encounter with a mermaid in the Netherlands. Allegedly, a family living in one of the Dutch villages sheltered a mermaid who has lived with them for more than 15 years. When she died, she was allegedly buried as baptized.
According to some sources, meetings with mermaids took place during the Great Patriotic War. A case of a soldier meeting with some unknown amphibian creature resembling a man is described. Supposedly, a soldier who had lagged behind his platoon walked along a forest road and saw something or someone lying on it.
He looked like a bearded man, but all in fish scales. Instead of fingers, he had webbing. When the soldier turned this creature on its back, he realized that his face was human. The creature showed the soldier with signs where he should be taken: it was a small forest lake. The soldier fulfilled the wish of the scaly creature, after which it safely disappeared into the depths.
