Written by Mermaid Seraphine
Mermaids and Sirens are both mythical creatures from the ancient times. They both describe females with an innate connection to the sea world. But are they the same?
In some languages, yes. Both Italian and Spanish use the word “sirena” for a mermaid. In Polish, both mermaid and siren are called “syrena.”
But, in English, we have “mermaid” (literally “sea maid”) and “siren,” and in Chinese, there’s “meirenyu” (“beautiful fish human”) and “mameido” in Japanese (also “mermaid”).
It’s highly likely that the Chinese and Japanese words came to Asia with the British. “Mermaid” is a word that means “sea maid,” for “mere” meant sea.
For a long time, the word “mermaid” was used to describe women with the lower body of a fish. These creatures can be found in many cultures around the world.
Sirens, on the other hand, are exclusive for Greek Mythology. They don’t look like “mermaids”– rather, they’re bird-women with wings and beautiful singing voices. As such, they were said to lure sailors to their death by singing sweet songs on their shores.
Having said this, I must remind you that the Greek Mythology has very abundant folklore related to the sea, including the whole dynasty of sea gods and goddesses, as well as their descendants: nymphs, naiads, oceanids, etc. Among those, you may find certain “mermaid-like” creatures – but those definitely aren’t sirens.
This may make you wonder: why do people confuse mermaids with sirens?
The reason are probably different names, and also the fact that both types of creatures were seductresses, using their voice, to lure men to their immediate fall.
I hope that this answers your question!
Related posts:
- Mermaids in Ancient Greek Mythology
- 25 Greek Mythology Mermaid Names for Girls and Their Meanings (Sea Goddess Names, Water Nymph Names, etc.)
- „The Mermaid Wife” – a short fable about selkies with a moral about unrequited love and one’s true identity
- “The Fisherman And The Merman” – a short fable about cooperation between humans and mermaids
- Mermaids described in different world legends
Grab your copy of “Mermaid Princess Amelia and the Lost Symphony” here…
English: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T6BJ6RG
Spanish: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z8GK1JX
Italian: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0953PN3Y7
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