For centuries, mermaids — half-human, half-fish beings — have captured human imagination. But what if some of those tales were based on real encounters? Here are 10 mermaid legends that might have roots in truth.
- The Mermaids of Zennor (England) – In Cornwall, locals still tell of a beautiful woman who lured a church singer into the sea. Strange songs are said to echo from beneath the waves to this day.
- The Ningyo (Japan) – This fish-like creature was said to grant long life if eaten. Historical texts record several “captures” of these beings, suggesting sightings of unknown marine animals.
- The Rusalki (Slavic Mythology) – These water spirits were said to emerge from rivers and lakes, interacting with humans. Reports of mysterious women near waterways may hint at real aquatic phenomena.
- Mami Wata (Africa) – Revered as a water goddess, Mami Wata is described with fish tails and hypnotic beauty. Sailors claimed to see her during storms, hinting at a possible marine explanation.
- The Selkies (Scotland) – These shapeshifters transform from seals into humans. Seal-human hybrids might stem from early seal observations mistaken for mermaids.
- The Syrian Goddess Atargatis – One of the oldest mermaid myths, her temples were built around real fish-human depictions, suggesting ancient beliefs had real origins.
- Christopher Columbus’s Sighting (1493) – Columbus reported seeing three mermaids in the Caribbean, possibly manatees — or something more mysterious.
- The Fiji Mermaid – A famous 19th-century curiosity, its origins remain debated.
- The Danish Havfrue – Numerous sightings around Denmark’s coast sparked local belief in these sea women.
- The Shamanic Water Spirits (Native American) – Described as water people aiding hunters, these stories may reflect real encounters with unknown aquatic beings.
Perhaps mermaids are myths — or perhaps they’re remnants of ancient encounters still hiding beneath the waves.
