Are Mermaids Real or Did Sea Creatures Inspire Mermaid Folklore?

Mermaid lore and legends are found worldwide, but does that mean mermaids are real? What inspired the tales of these mythical beings?

By Monica Cull
Jul 24, 2023 3:00 PMAug 21, 2023 2:53 PM
Underwater swimming mermaid freediver girl with tale and red hair
(Credit:Toporkova/Shutterstock)

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Whether you grew up with Hans Christan Anderson fairy tales or watched Peter PanPirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter, you’ve probably heard of mermaid legends. There isn’t much evidence, except for speculation, that mermaids existed. However, these legends can be found all over the world. 

Some believe that aquatic mammals such as manatees and dugongs inspired mermaid legends. There is even an account from Christopher Columbus saying that members of his crew had spotted “mermaids” — though they were ugly and seemed more masculine than the mermaids in legends.

(Credit:Ivanenko Vladimir/Shutterstock)
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