Skip to main content

M is for Merfolk.....

Since man first set sail across the oceans, there have been tales of Merfolk--- or, more specifically, Mermaids. I mean, what man wouldn't hallucinate a beautiful woman when he is sick with scurvy and miles from home--- who wouldn't want a bit of comfort on the lonely sea?

Mermaids are often associated with Sirens from Greek Mythology. Though, the first known stories appeared in ancient Assyria where it is said the goddess Atargatis turned herself into a mermaid after accidentally killing her human lover. Guilt-ridden by what she had done, she dove into the sea to take the form of a fish, but, the waters refused to hide her beauty--- her divine visage remained, while her lower half took the fish-form she had cursed herself with.

I suppose it's from this myth that Mermaids were often connected with sea tragedy--- drownings, storms and shipwrecks. Though, there are still a few traditions that depict the Mermaids as good--- benevolent creatures that can and do fall in love with humans.

The Biological order, Sirenia, (dugongs and manatees)-- takes its name from the Siren legend as it is the
belief of some that the ancient sea-explorers often mistook these aquatic mammals for Mermaids.

While Mermaids are known for their beauty, Mermen, on the other hand, are often depicted as anything other than beautiful. There are a few myths, specifically Finnish myths, where Mermen are handsome and bearded men with fish-tails who can cure illness. But, both Greek and Irish mythologies depict Mermen as grotesque with green hair. The Irish descriptions also include, a red nose, pointed green teeth and pig eyes. Is it any wonder the legends of Mermaids falling in love with human men exists?






With Sea-Swept Sighs

There's a peace that comes with the savage sea,
a stillness raking 'cross the cresting waves.
It's in this peace you're yearning heart is apt to find,
a bit of home to lift your dreary day.

With locks of gold and songs to break a Siren's heart,
the ethereal beauty finds her way to you.
Just a glimpse is all she'll give and all you'll ever hold,
 look not away or you'll think your dream untrue.

Your ship will sail the seas, from home and back again,
the perils that you find enough to still your heart.
But, one fleeting glance from a Mermaid's smile,
is all the treasure you'll wish for as your paths part.

                                                                                                                 ---e.a.s. demers
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Share your thoughts!

Popular posts from this blog

L is for Loch Ness Monster....

With Kelpie, for my 'K' entry, still fresh, I thought it'd be fun to stick to the water for a bit. So, while we're in the realm of Celtic water creatures, why not visit with the most famous and widely known of aquatic beasties---- the Loch Ness Monster. Though, Nessie, sort of skirts the line of supernatural creature as it is purported by many to be a cryptid, a creature whose existence has yet to be identified by the scientific community. Those who believe Nessie an unidentified animal, have speculated that it is from the line of Plesiosaurs, while the scientific community claims it's just a modern-day myth, or at the very worst--- a hoax. I've included the Loch Ness Monster as part of my Supernatural theme because, like Bigfoot, there's an, albeit EXTREMELY, remote chance that it's real, but, like ghosts, I won't believe it until I see it myself----- I'm a card-carrying skeptic, but, I can enjoy a smidgen of the illogical now-and-again-...
8 comments
Read more

K is for Kelpie.....

Today's entry is dedicated to my wonderful social club pledge sister, who sent me off from our college sanctuary with a copy of "Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales", containing an inscription that the "magic and mischief of the Kelpie follow me".... She knew I had an affinity for water and for mischief...and for all-things Celtic--so the Kelpie seemed to suit---- though, I'm not quite as savage as many folktales paint Kelpies. Kelpies are Celtic water horses, believed to haunt the lochs and rivers of Scotland and Ireland. The Kelpie was known to appear as a "lost pony", though, its identity is given away by its constantly dripping mane. Most stories give the color of the Kelpie's coat as black, though there are a few that mention the color white. The texture of the Kelpie's skin is likened to the smoothness of a seal, but its temperature is "cold as death to the touch." Like many other tales of supernatural creatures, the Kelpie...
15 comments
Read more

A to Z reflections....

Another A to Z challenge comes to an end--- another collection of posts and poetry have been written, another deep breath of relief is released. For my fellow bloggers that survived as well, it's another 'challenge-completed' notch carved into the writing desk. I've come to enjoy my yearly foray into the world of all things alphabetical. This was my third year, though it was only the second year I had a workable theme (which made the challenge substantially easier than the first year I attempted this challenge.) And, though my first year was difficult because my focus was so scattered, I found this year was more  difficult because I lost the enthusiasm that came with the first year excitement----excitement which helped me plug along until the end of the challenge. Year 3 was a success in the sense that I completed the challenge, though, this was the year that almost wasn't---- Somewhere about a third of the way through the challenge, I seriously considered...
27 comments
Read more