The mermaid is a mythical creature half human and half fish. Seductive and enchanting she is generally depicted as being exceptionally beautiful but a mermaid can also be grossly fish like in appearance as well.
Most countries have folklore depicting mermaid like creatures existing in their culture. For the majority her symbolism is one of negativity. Her sighting being seen as a sign of bad weather, misfortune, or danger but in some lands she is viewed as benevolent bringing enchantment and good luck to those who see her.
The legend of this water dwelling being is believed to have originated in ancient Syria around 1000 BC when the goddess Atargatis threw herself into the ocean hoping to alleviate the pain she felt for accidentally killing her human lover. In the water she is changed into a mermaid, her beauty being too great to allow her to completely transform into the image of a fish. Living in the sea and ocean legend has it that she is able to breathe both in and out of the water.
