From Ariel to the current craze for Sirens, mermaids have captivated
our imaginations. But what's true and what's fairy tale?
For centuries, mermaids have appeared in the folklore of cultures from
around the world, including the Near East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. And
Disney made everyone want to dive under the sea with Ariel when the
movie The Little Mermaid hit theaters in 1989. But what are mermaid
stories based on?
Many myths say these creatures are half human and half fish, while
others claim they are simply manatees mistaken for something more
magical. Some grant wishes and fall in love, yet others have lured
sailors to their doom.
Although we can't say for sure where the tales of these elusive figures
first originated, author Sarah Laskow separates the fact from the
fiction. This full-color, fully illustrated book tells you all you need
to know about the myths, science, and history that surround mermaids.