So many scuba divers have grown up watching movies like “The Little Mermaid” and dreaming of a life beneath the waves. But where did the human fascination start with these enchanting creatures, with their half-human, half-fish forms, embody a blend of beauty, mystery, and danger?

Ancient Civilizations and Early Depictions of Mermaid-Like Creatures

The mermaids of today come from the mythology of ancient civilizations.

In Mesopotamian art, the Apkallu are seven demigods that are sometimes depicted as part man and part fish. Their role was to bring wisdom to humans from the gods. Their figures were also used to ward off evil.

Ancient Greeks worshiped Triton, the son of the sea god Poseidon, and his wife, Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea. Triton was depicted as a man with a fish tail, who could calm or stir the seas by blowing on his large conch shell. Also of Greek origin are the Sirens, who were originally described as half woman half bird, but over time, turned into women with fish tails. SIrens worked to lure sailors to their depths with their mesmerizing voices.

In Norse mythology, Selkies are creatures that can transition between a human and seal form, by simply shedding their sealskin.

Over the centuries, legends from all cultures have shifted and changed, often driven by the tales shared by sailors of strange encounters they experienced while at sea.

Mermaids In Current Times

The fascination with mermaids has never died out, although there are arguably fewer thoughts of mermaids as evil seductresses who try to kill unsuspecting men! Instead, many cultures embrace the mermaid as a symbol of the dual love for land and sea. It’s what has inspired so many of us to get scuba-certified!

Become A Certified Mermaid

Did you know that it’s possible to earn a certification as a mermaid? The PADI Mermaid™ course teaches students to successfully and safely use a monofin in the water!