If mermaids are half fish, half human… why don’t we ever see the fish-on-top, legs-on-bottom version

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[–] 1 point 1 year ago (1 child)

Because there's no sea creature that looks like a fish head with human legs. Manatees look like human torsos with fish legs. If you see a manatee from above the water, you'll understand why a sailor might think they saw a mermaid. All mythological creatures sort of resemble real animals.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 year ago

    Yeah, in reality, mythological creatures often borrow traits from real animals. Sailors were seeing manatees or dugongs from above round head, arm-like flippers, a swishing tail and their brains filled in the rest. Add months at sea, bad lighting, and a little wishful thinking… and suddenly, mermaids exist.

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