MERMAIDS IN FOLKLORE
The rugged coast of Cornwall is the perfect setting for the mysterious and magical - the sudden sea mists, the constant rush of the waves crashing against the dark granite cliffs. And nothing is more mysterious and magical than a mermaid.
In Cornish lore these beings are more than just alluring sirens with flowing hair and fish scale tails. They're more complex - sometimes guardians, sometimes omens. Their stories are passed down from generation to generation and whispered by fishermen to this day.
Certainly some Cornish mermaids were malevolent - conjuring up sudden storms or luring sailors to a watery grave and often people believed a mermaid sighting foretold a drowning or shipwreck. This duality, both dangerous and beautiful, echoed the moods of the sea.
Today, writers, artists and musicians continue to be fascinated by stories of the half woman half fish creatures and local souvenir shops sell plenty of trinkets and books with a nod to their myths and legends.
Whether you believe in these elusive sea spirits or just enjoy a good story, there's no doubt that that there is something undeniably attractive about them.
1 comment:
Lovely! I like that idea that mermaids reflect the changable moods of the sea.
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