Mermaids, the mythical half-human, half-fish beings, have captivated human imagination for millennia. Their presence in folklore, mythology, and maritime legends spans cultures and continents, appearing in ancient Mesopotamian carvings, medieval European manuscripts, and even modern-day eyewitness accounts. While they are often dismissed as mythological creatures, historical records suggest that numerous individuals—ranging from ordinary sailors to renowned explorers and even government officials—have claimed to encounter these enigmatic beings.
Could these sightings be attributed to misidentified marine animals such as manatees, dugongs, or seals, the result of optical illusions at sea, or the product of exaggerated sailor’s tales? Or is it possible that, hidden beneath the vast, unexplored depths of the ocean, there exists an undiscovered species that gave rise to these legends? Despite the skepticism of modern science, reports of mermaid-like creatures persist, keeping the mystery alive.
From ancient Assyrian goddesses to wartime military encounters and contemporary sightings, the fascination with mermaids has remained remarkably resilient. Whether real or imagined, these stories reflect humanity’s enduring curiosity about the unknown depths of the sea. Below are some of the most intriguing historical encounters with mermaids ever recorded, spanning different cultures, centuries, and perspectives.
Mermaid
1. The Assyrian Goddess Atargatis (Circa 1000 BC)
The earliest recorded mermaid-like figure comes from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, particularly in the Assyrian and later Syrian traditions. Atargatis, also known as Derceto to the Greeks, was a powerful goddess associated with fertility, love, and the sea. She was often depicted with the upper body of a woman and the lower half of a fish, making her one of the oldest known figures resembling a mermaid.
According to legend, Atargatis fell in love with a mortal shepherd, but the relationship ended in tragedy when she accidentally caused his death. Overcome with grief and shame, she cast herself into a lake, seeking to merge with the water and escape her sorrow. However, because of her divine nature, she could not fully transform into a fish. Instead, only her lower half took the form of a fish while her upper body remained human, thus giving rise to the first mermaid-like being.
Atargatis was widely venerated across the Near East, particularly in the ancient city of Hierapolis (modern Manbij, Syria), where her temple stood as a major religious center. Worshippers believed she had dominion over the seas, rivers, and marine life, reinforcing the connection between mermaids and divine power. Ancient accounts, including those from Greek historians such as Lucian of Samosata (2nd century AD), describe how Atargatis’ temple housed sacred fish that her priests considered holy, further linking her to aquatic mythology.
The legend of Atargatis likely influenced later mermaid myths across cultures, including Greek and Roman depictions of sirens and nereids, as well as medieval European beliefs in merfolk. The persistence of her imagery in ancient art, coins, and temple reliefs suggests that mermaids were already an established concept over 3,000 years ago, possibly originating from this early deity.
2. The Travels of Pliny the Elder (77 AD)
The Roman naturalist and historian Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD) compiled one of the most extensive encyclopedic works of antiquity, Natural History, which documented the known world, including its geography, biology, and mythology. Among his many descriptions of marine life, Pliny recorded detailed accounts of mermaid-like creatures, which he referred to as nereids—sea nymphs from Greek mythology that bore striking similarities to later depictions of mermaids.
Pliny described these creatures as having “rough, scaly bodies like fish,” suggesting that they were not merely beautiful, ethereal beings but rather tangible, biological entities observed in the natural world. He stated that these mermaid-like beings were frequently seen by sailors and even washed ashore in various locations, particularly along the coasts of Gaul (modern-day France). His accounts suggested that Roman officials had personally witnessed these creatures, lending credibility to the reports.
One particularly intriguing aspect of Pliny’s writing is his assertion that these sea maidens possessed a human-like torso and head but were covered in fish scales, making them appear more like aquatic humanoids than the graceful mermaids of later folklore. He also described tritons—male counterparts of the nereids—who reportedly emerged from the sea, emitting strange sounds resembling the blowing of conch shells.
Pliny’s writings indicate that belief in mermaids and other marine humanoids was not merely the domain of myths and legends but was also considered a subject of natural history in the ancient world. His accounts, along with those of other Roman and Greek historians, may have contributed to the widespread belief in mermaids that persisted throughout the Middle Ages and into the Age of Exploration.
Though modern scholars often attribute Pliny’s descriptions to misidentified marine animals such as seals or manatees, his work remains a fascinating historical record of how ancient civilizations perceived and documented mermaid-like beings.
3. The Mermaid of Zeeland (1403)
One of the most peculiar mermaid legends in European history comes from the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands. In 1403, according to Dutch folklore, a group of fishermen discovered a mermaid stranded in a damaged dike after a violent storm. The dike, a crucial barrier protecting the land from the sea, had been breached by the storm’s force, allowing the mermaid to be swept into shallow waters, where she struggled to return to the ocean.
Intrigued by the unusual creature, the fishermen reportedly captured her and brought her to a nearby village. The mermaid was described as having the upper body of a woman and the lower half of a fish, a classic depiction consistent with other mermaid myths. The villagers, instead of releasing her, decided to keep her and attempt to integrate her into human society. According to the legend, they clothed her, attempted to teach her how to weave, and fed her human food. Despite these efforts, she never spoke and remained a silent but mysterious presence among them.
Some versions of the story claim that, although she could survive on land, she often exhibited sadness and longing for the sea. Despite this, she lived for several years in the village before passing away. Upon her death, the townspeople are said to have given her a Christian burial, which suggests that they believed she had a soul.
The tale of the Mermaid of Zeeland has persisted for centuries and is considered one of the most famous mermaid legends in Dutch folklore. While modern scholars often attribute such stories to exaggeration or the misidentification of marine animals, this account is unique because it describes a mermaid allegedly living among humans rather than a fleeting sighting at sea. Some historians believe the legend may have been inspired by an encounter with an unknown marine creature, while others view it as a medieval allegory symbolizing the relationship between humans and the mysterious forces of nature.
Regardless of its origins, the Zeeland mermaid remains an enduring part of local folklore, adding to the long history of human fascination with mermaids and their place between the worlds of land and sea.
Mermaid
4. Christopher Columbus’ Mermaid Encounter (1493)
During his first voyage to the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus recorded an unusual sighting in his ship’s log while sailing near what is now the Dominican Republic. According to his account, he and his crew spotted three mermaid-like creatures rising out of the water. However, rather than being the beautiful sea maidens of legend, Columbus described them as appearing somewhat masculine and not as attractive as commonly depicted in art. His log entry states that they had “somewhat human faces” but were “not as beautiful as they are painted.”
Many historians believe that what Columbus and his crew actually encountered were manatees—large marine mammals that inhabit the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean. Manatees have a habit of floating upright while feeding on seagrass, which, from a distance and in poor visibility conditions, could resemble a human-like figure. Their rounded heads, forward-facing eyes, and paddle-shaped tails may have contributed to the illusion.
While Columbus’ mermaid sighting is often dismissed as a case of mistaken identity, it is significant because it provides one of the earliest recorded European accounts of mermaid-like creatures in the Americas. It also reflects how deeply ingrained the belief in mermaids was among sailors of the time. The oceans were vast and mysterious, and tales of sea maidens had been passed down for generations among mariners, making such sightings more likely to be interpreted through the lens of mythology.
Columbus was not the only explorer to report mermaid encounters. Similar sightings were recorded by other seafarers during the Age of Exploration, reinforcing the notion that these creatures might be more than mere myth. While science has largely debunked such claims, Columbus’ journal entry remains one of the most famous mermaid encounters in history, demonstrating how legend and reality often blurred in the minds of early explorers.
5. The Dutch Sailors’ Encounter in the East Indies (1603)
In 1603, a group of Dutch sailors reportedly witnessed a mermaid-like creature while navigating the waters off the coast of the East Indies (modern-day Indonesia). This sighting occurred during the early years of the Dutch East India Company’s expansion, a time when European explorers were mapping new territories and encountering unfamiliar marine life. The event was meticulously documented in the ship’s logs, making it one of the earliest written accounts of mermaid sightings from European sailors in Southeast Asia.
According to the official scribe on board, the creature had the upper body of a woman with long flowing hair, a well-defined face, and arms that resembled human limbs. However, from the waist down, it had the unmistakable form of a fish, with scales and a powerful tail. The sailors watched in amazement as the mermaid-like being swam near their ship, seemingly observing them before gracefully diving back into the depths of the ocean.
Later reports suggest that the account made its way back to Europe, where it was included in maritime records and discussed among naturalists. Some sailors who had spent years at sea believed that mermaids were real, citing previous encounters and folklore passed down through generations. In the Age of Exploration, the vast and largely uncharted ocean was filled with mystery, fueling the belief that unknown sea creatures could exist.
While skeptics argue that the Dutch sailors may have mistaken a dugong or another marine mammal for a mermaid, the vivid descriptions in their reports make this case particularly intriguing. The details suggest that the sailors genuinely believed they had witnessed something extraordinary, an encounter distinct from common marine animals.
This sighting contributes to the broader historical narrative of mermaid legends in maritime cultures. The presence of such accounts in naval records and the consistency of similar sightings worldwide suggest that the belief in mermaids was not merely superstition but a phenomenon that repeatedly emerged among those who spent their lives at sea.
6. John Smith’s Mermaid Sighting (1614)
Captain John Smith, best known for his role in the founding of the Jamestown colony, claimed to have witnessed a mermaid while sailing near the West Indies in 1614. Unlike other reports that described mermaids as eerie or monstrous, Smith’s account was notable for its emphasis on the mermaid’s beauty and human-like features. His description stated that she had “large eyes, a finely shaped nose, and well-formed ears,” giving her an almost enchanting appearance. He also observed that she had long, flowing green hair that enhanced her striking presence.
However, Smith noted that his admiration of the mermaid’s appearance ended abruptly when he realized that, from the waist down, she had the tail of a fish. Like Christopher Columbus before him, he found himself staring at something both familiar and foreign, a creature that defied easy explanation. His account, recorded in naval logs and later referenced in maritime folklore, became one of the most famous European mermaid sightings of the 17th century.
Many historians and marine biologists believe that Smith, like Columbus, may have mistaken a manatee or a dugong for a mermaid. These aquatic mammals have round faces, forward-facing eyes, and a tendency to rise out of the water while feeding, which could create the illusion of a human-like figure. The greenish tint of the hair Smith described may have been an effect of seaweed or algae clinging to the creature’s body.
Despite the likelihood of misidentification, Smith’s sighting is significant because it reflects how deeply ingrained mermaid mythology was among seafarers of the time. The vast, uncharted waters of the 17th century were filled with mysteries, and any unusual marine sighting was often interpreted through the lens of folklore and legend. His account fueled further speculation about mermaids and contributed to their continued presence in maritime lore.
Whether a genuine sighting or an instance of mistaken identity, John Smith’s mermaid encounter remains one of the most famous mermaid reports in history, reinforcing the idea that even the most seasoned explorers were not immune to the lure of the unknown.
7. The British Mermaid of Exmouth (1737)
One of the most detailed and widely discussed mermaid encounters of the 18th century occurred in Exmouth, England, in 1737. Several local fishermen reported seeing a mysterious sea creature near the shore that bore an uncanny resemblance to a human but had the unmistakable tail of a fish. This sighting, unlike many earlier accounts, was well-documented and even reached English newspapers of the time, sparking widespread fascination and debate.
According to the fishermen’s descriptions, the creature had long, flowing hair and a distinctly human-like torso, resembling a woman. They observed it swimming near the surface of the water, occasionally raising its head and shoulders above the waves. The men attempted to approach the mermaid, but as they got closer, it quickly dove beneath the sea and disappeared. Witnesses reported that its movements were fluid and graceful, more like a marine mammal than a fish.
The event was widely discussed in local circles, and written reports of the sighting were published in periodicals of the time. Some believed the creature was indeed a mermaid, while others speculated it could have been a known marine animal, such as a seal or large fish, misinterpreted due to the lighting and distance.
Mermaid folklore was already a prominent part of British maritime traditions by the 18th century. Sailors and coastal communities had long told stories of mermaid sightings, often associating them with omens or supernatural influences over the sea. However, the Exmouth mermaid sighting stood out because of the number of witnesses and the formal documentation it received.
While skeptics argue that the fishermen may have been deceived by optical illusions, waves, or even a known sea creature, the details of their account—particularly the description of hair, a humanoid upper body, and intelligent movement—make this case an enduring part of mermaid legend. Whether fact or folklore, the Exmouth mermaid remains one of Britain’s most intriguing and unexplained maritime encounters.
8. The Mermaid of Benbecula, Scotland (1830)
One of the most bizarre and well-documented mermaid encounters in history took place in Benbecula, Scotland, in 1830. This remote island in the Outer Hebrides became the setting for a strange and enduring legend when locals claimed to have seen a small mermaid swimming near the shore. Unlike many previous mermaid sightings that involved fleeting glimpses at sea, this account describes direct interaction with the creature and even a reported burial.
According to the story, a group of villagers spotted a tiny, humanoid figure in the water, described as a small woman covered in scales. Several men attempted to capture the mermaid, but she was quick and agile, repeatedly slipping out of their grasp. Eventually, she disappeared beneath the waves, leaving the onlookers astonished.
Days later, however, the lifeless body of the mermaid allegedly washed up on the shore. According to eyewitness descriptions, she measured around three feet long, had webbed hands, and possessed a fish-like tail. Her facial features were distinctly human, yet her body was covered in fine scales, further fueling speculation that she was not an ordinary sea creature. Recognizing the strangeness of the discovery, the villagers reportedly decided to give the mermaid a Christian burial, treating her remains with reverence rather than curiosity.
Local folklore preserved the memory of the Benbecula mermaid, and the tale has been passed down through generations. While skeptics suggest that the villagers may have encountered a known marine animal, such as a young seal or an unusual fish species, others argue that the detailed descriptions do not align with any known creature. The fact that the villagers felt compelled to bury the mermaid with respect suggests that they genuinely believed she was something extraordinary.
The legend of the Benbecula mermaid remains one of Scotland’s most famous mermaid encounters, standing as a fascinating example of how folklore, mystery, and the sea’s unknown depths continue to capture the imagination.
9. The Kai Islands Mermaid (1943)
One of the most compelling modern mermaid encounters comes from the Kai Islands, an Indonesian archipelago, during World War II. Japanese soldiers stationed on the islands in 1943 reported multiple encounters with strange aquatic beings that the local villagers referred to as Orang Ikan, meaning “Fish People.” Unlike traditional depictions of mermaids as beautiful sea maidens, these creatures were described as distinctly humanoid but with eerie and unnatural features.
According to eyewitness reports, the creatures stood at around five feet tall, had webbed hands and feet, and possessed a wide mouth filled with sharp teeth. Their bodies were covered in what appeared to be rough skin, sometimes described as having a pinkish or salmon-colored hue. The soldiers observed them swimming near the shore, and on several occasions, they were seen emerging from the water onto land.
Local villagers confirmed to the soldiers that the Orang Ikan were well-known to them, and they had accepted their existence as part of the natural world. They claimed to have encountered these beings for generations and even alleged that they had once captured a dead specimen. This was particularly intriguing, as it suggested that these creatures were not simply mythological figures but tangible, physical entities in the eyes of the locals.
Fascinated and perplexed by the reports, the Japanese soldiers attempted to bring this information to zoologists and scientists. It is said that they even contacted Japanese officials to request further investigation, but no official documentation was ever published, and the war soon shifted priorities away from such inquiries.
The case of the Orang Ikan remains one of the most intriguing alleged mermaid encounters of the 20th century. Unlike older maritime tales that could be dismissed as folklore or mistaken sightings of marine animals, this account involved multiple witnesses, including trained soldiers, and a culture that had long acknowledged the existence of these beings. Despite the lack of physical evidence, the legend of the Kai Islands mermaids continues to be discussed by cryptozoologists and researchers interested in the mysteries of the deep sea.
10. The Kiryat Yam Mermaid (2009)
One of the most recent and widely publicized mermaid sightings took place in Kiryat Yam, Israel, in 2009, drawing global attention and reigniting debates over the existence of mermaids. Reports surfaced from multiple witnesses who claimed to have seen a mermaid-like creature near the shore, engaging in what appeared to be acrobatic movements before swiftly vanishing beneath the waves.
According to eyewitnesses, the creature resembled a female figure with a human-like upper body and a fish-like tail. It was frequently spotted at sunset, leading some to speculate that it preferred appearing during the evening hours. Witnesses described its movements as graceful and intelligent, as it seemingly played in the water before disappearing upon being noticed.
The phenomenon gained such traction that the Kiryat Yam municipality took the unprecedented step of offering a $1 million reward to anyone who could provide conclusive evidence of the mermaid’s existence. This extraordinary move turned the small coastal town into a hub of curiosity, attracting both serious researchers and curious onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive being.
Despite the widespread interest and the numerous reported sightings, no verifiable proof—such as clear photographs, videos, or physical evidence—ever surfaced. Some skeptics suggested that the “mermaid” may have been a misidentified marine animal, a playful hoax, or an illusion created by waves and light reflections. Others speculated that the entire event was a well-crafted publicity stunt designed to boost tourism in the region.
Regardless of the explanation, the Kiryat Yam mermaid remains one of the most intriguing and well-documented modern mermaid sightings. Whether it was a hoax, a misinterpretation of natural phenomena, or a genuine mystery of the sea, the story continues to captivate those who believe that the ocean still holds secrets yet to be discovered.
Mermaid
Myth or Reality?
For centuries, accounts of mermaid encounters have surfaced from nearly every corner of the world, spanning ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Roman natural history, medieval European folklore, and even modern-day sightings. These tales, recorded by explorers, sailors, and local communities, suggest a deep-rooted and widespread belief in mermaid-like beings. Whether they were regarded as divine figures, omens of fortune or disaster, or mysterious creatures lurking beneath the waves, mermaids have remained a recurring presence in human storytelling.
Many of these accounts can be explained through known marine animals such as manatees, dugongs, or seals, which—especially in dim light or from a distance—could easily be mistaken for humanoid figures. The imaginative minds of sailors, exhaustion from long voyages, and the cultural predisposition to believe in mermaids may have contributed to the embellishment of these sightings. In other cases, hoaxes and folklore may have played a role in keeping the mermaid legend alive.
However, the sheer persistence and consistency of mermaid sightings across different eras and cultures raise intriguing questions. Could these accounts be rooted in some undiscovered aquatic species, or do they reflect something deeper—perhaps a psychological or cultural archetype shared across human civilizations? Some cryptozoologists argue that the vast and largely unexplored depths of the ocean could still harbor unknown life forms that inspired these legends.
While modern science has yet to produce any verifiable evidence supporting the existence of mermaids, the allure of these mysterious beings endures. They continue to feature in literature, film, and folklore, captivating both skeptics and believers alike. Whether as misunderstood marine animals, symbolic figures representing the unknown, or creatures of pure fantasy, mermaids remain one of the most enduring and fascinating myths in human history.
Could mermaids be a hidden species yet to be discovered, or are they simply the product of centuries of seafaring imagination? The truth remains as elusive as the deep waters where these mystical beings are said to dwell.