I love this so much. I also am fascinated by the mermaid myth, how worldwide it is; I’ve been writing a series based on mermaids and lies made up about them. I’m currently editing book 3.
It’s true - they will lie to make us look like Ursulas.
They don’t realize that Ursula isn’t a bad person to be. I think that, in my adult life, I’ve sort of admired her more!
Oh that is so cool Mariella! What is the name of the series? I’d love to check it out! It means even more that you enjoyed my piece as an expert on the subject! 💕
"They had the power to sink or save an entire ship. They did not need men. And, in fact, men needed them." So true!!!
Here in Nova Scotia there are stories of selkies... I've always believed in mermaids and selkies. Like your observations of men needing mermaids, the same could be said for selkies. I love the idea of reclaiming these beautiful mythical creatures with all our womenly power!
Thank you so much Tasha! I am fascinated by selkies too! Maybe I'll write a piece about them next! I'm in North Carolina, and I love that you're reading this in Nova Scotia - Substack is amazing :)
I love your publication! I think you're really on to something, fairy tales, the way they should be told! Great topic to delve into. Wondering if you've read "Women Who Run With The Wolves"
Thank you so much for your kind words! And yes, I have read it -- the themes and topics were so fascinating! I got so many great ideas from it, but I will say I thought some of her chapters could have been a bit more succinct haha!
A powerful piece, evoking the violence done against women through mythology, then in real life with the barnum circus, and again in real life to your young self. Now it's happening again / still, with the advent of a. i. Keep splashing around with your mermaid tale.
Wow thank you so much Debbie for your thoughtful comment! And yes, it really is crazy how this cycle never seems to let up. We just have to keep swimming against the current!
Cool interpretation of the myth, albeit a bitter one. Mermaids are such an enchanting allegory, a twist on the predator/prey gender archetypes, but also so appropriate to how helpless lonely explorers feel—how terrified men are of seduction, know all the warning signs, and still crave it to their own demise.
I love this so much. I also am fascinated by the mermaid myth, how worldwide it is; I’ve been writing a series based on mermaids and lies made up about them. I’m currently editing book 3.
It’s true - they will lie to make us look like Ursulas.
They don’t realize that Ursula isn’t a bad person to be. I think that, in my adult life, I’ve sort of admired her more!
Great post!
Oh that is so cool Mariella! What is the name of the series? I’d love to check it out! It means even more that you enjoyed my piece as an expert on the subject! 💕
Haha I wouldn’t call myself an expert, just slightly obsessed since childhood!
The first two books are called The Sea Rose and The Sea King :)
"their tails forbade penetration". why haven't i thought of it like that before!
Right?! Like talk about an unlikely sex symbol!
"They had the power to sink or save an entire ship. They did not need men. And, in fact, men needed them." So true!!!
Here in Nova Scotia there are stories of selkies... I've always believed in mermaids and selkies. Like your observations of men needing mermaids, the same could be said for selkies. I love the idea of reclaiming these beautiful mythical creatures with all our womenly power!
Thank you so much Tasha! I am fascinated by selkies too! Maybe I'll write a piece about them next! I'm in North Carolina, and I love that you're reading this in Nova Scotia - Substack is amazing :)
Just sensational 🐚 I particularly loved learning about Atargatis, I’ve never come across her before.
Thank you so much! And right?! Atargatis is so badass!
I love your publication! I think you're really on to something, fairy tales, the way they should be told! Great topic to delve into. Wondering if you've read "Women Who Run With The Wolves"
Thank you so much for your kind words! And yes, I have read it -- the themes and topics were so fascinating! I got so many great ideas from it, but I will say I thought some of her chapters could have been a bit more succinct haha!
I agree, chapters got long.
Highly recommend everyone check out the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington. You won't be able to forget this terrifying mermaid. Great post!
haha thank you random guy on internet! I'm so glad you loved my piece enough to visit this museum!
A powerful piece, evoking the violence done against women through mythology, then in real life with the barnum circus, and again in real life to your young self. Now it's happening again / still, with the advent of a. i. Keep splashing around with your mermaid tale.
Wow thank you so much Debbie for your thoughtful comment! And yes, it really is crazy how this cycle never seems to let up. We just have to keep swimming against the current!
Cool interpretation of the myth, albeit a bitter one. Mermaids are such an enchanting allegory, a twist on the predator/prey gender archetypes, but also so appropriate to how helpless lonely explorers feel—how terrified men are of seduction, know all the warning signs, and still crave it to their own demise.
I am obsessed!!! This is so so good
Thank you so much Roberta!! It was sooo fun to research
i looove this article! gave me a whole new perspective on mermaids & so much info on their history. Amazing
Aww Lia, I'm so glad you enjoyed this and learned something new - that is always my goal with every essay I post!
Long obsessed with mermaids, since Splash! Great piece.
So glad you enjoyed it!
This is so well researched and written and I love every word 😭🖤
Thank you so much Julie!!