I have always been fascinated by mermaids because they are beautiful creatures from the many movies I watch. I recently came across a YouTube video about good and evil mermaids.
I immediately became interested in knowing more about what other people think of mermaids, as I have never considered them evil.
I researched extensively by reading various books such as ‘Mermaids – Art, Symbolism and Mythology’ by Ben Williamson and Christopher Halls and online articles to understand this better.
As a theologian, I wanted to know what other men of faith thought and consulted different clergies to understand what the Bible says about mermaids.
Last week, during one of my online classes, while teaching about different mythologies in the world, my theology students asked me if mermaids were evil.
Most were thinking of the movies they had watched with mermaid characters who were both good and evil. From my extensive research, I decided to share my findings on the forum.
After the discussion, I decided to write this article for those who may also have these questions.
So, are mermaids evil?
Although no scriptures suggest mermaids are evil, in Genesis 1:20-23, God created the universe and everything in it, including all sea creatures, but Mermaids are not mentioned. The Bible does not establish or refute whether mermaids are evil. However, according to Greek mythology, mermaids were perceived to be evil since the gifts they gave to humans brought misfortune and caused disaster. They could sometimes lure sailors to death by drowning them or enticing young people to live with them underwater.
Please continue reading this article and join me as we investigate this topic to discover whether mermaids are evil, where they came from if there are good mermaids, and more.
Where did mermaids come from?
The early appearance of mermaids to humans is believed to have occurred about 1000 BC in Assyria in present-day Syria. The Assyrian mythology implies that the beautiful fertility goddess Atargatis became a mermaid after casting herself into a lake due to shame after killing her lover, who did not survive the divine lovemaking.
They believe the mermaid could not fully transform into a fish because of her beauty. Therefore, she retained her upper body while the legs transformed into a fishtail.
The mythology explains why it is taboo for Syrians to eat fish.
Atargatis was incorporated into Greek mythology and was known as Aphrodite Derceto. The Greeks also have myths about the origin of mermaids, which include Nereids, Tritons, Sirens, and Thessaloniki (the sister to Alexander who was grief-stricken after the death of Alexander and jumped into the sea, killing herself. Since she was immortal, she couldn’t die, and therefore transformed into a mermaid)
According to the aquatic ape theory, mermaids came from fairly advanced primates that lived and waded in the sea and fed on marine animals.
These primates adapted to living in waters by becoming hairless and bipedal. They then evolved into mermaids.
However, this theory is not accepted in the scientific community.
Are there good mermaids?
According to legendary tales, there are good mermaids because they are believed to act as the sea’s protectors. For instance, the sea nymphs were believed to watch over the Mediterranean Sea.
They traveled through the sea with the god Poseidon, and when they noticed a ship sinking or sailors were in danger, they would rush to help them.
In this context, mermaids were seen as benevolent and beneficial beings. In some cultures, mermaids are believed to bring fortune and good luck, bestowing blessings upon people they encounter.
Why do people believe that mermaids are evil?
Mami Water is an example of an African mermaid who is believed to be evil because she causes diseases and is why people drown in the ocean. People believe mermaids are evil because the concepts of mermaids and sirens have been mixed when they watch movies.
Mermaids are considered evil as they behave like Sirens, which were believed to be dangerous because, in many folklore, they were portrayed to lure sailors to their demise.
These narratives warn sailors of the dangers and temptations they may encounter at sea. Some narratives suggest that mermaids are vengeful and evil creatures.
Other cultures perceive mermaids as omens of misfortune and tragedy. In some folklore, people believe that Mermaids are associated with perilous events like floods, storms, and drowning.
Are mermaids demonic?
Whether mermaids are demonic is unclear, but according to the Greek folk tale, Thessaloniki, the sister of Alexander, died and was reborn as a mermaid since she was immortal.
The act of being immortal can imply that she was demonic. Her actions were believed to be demonic since she resided in the Aegean Sea and had a single query for the sailors: whenever a ship passed, she could ask if King Alexander was alive.
They would pass if the sailors gave the right answer, stating that he lives, reigns, and conquers the earth. If they gave any other response, it was rumored that she would summon the storm, sending the ship and its crew to their deaths at sea a second.
Some people believe that mermaids are demonic because the name is associated with marine spirits. According to Dr. Jumoke in his book “Deliverance from Marine Covenant,” Mermaids are associated with marine kingdoms that are used by Satan to challenge the purposes of God on earth
Does the Bible say mermaids are evil?
The Bible does not mention mermaids and whether they are evil, not even in the biblical account of the creation account, Genesis 1:1-23.
However, this does not prove or disprove the existence of mermaids.
There are multiple creatures in the world not mentioned in the Bible, and mermaids are among them. Whether mermaids are evil, we praise God for His many wonderful creations, including all the creatures under the sea where mermaids live.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
