Mermaid was a mythical creature that lived in the sea. According to popular belief, mermaids were half human and half fish. They attracted mortal men by their beauty and their singing. They would sit and comb their golden hair. A magic cap lay beside them. They would slip the cap on the head of the man they wanted and take him away with them. A human being could live in the sea by wearing the magic cap. There were also mermen, who captured mortal maidens.
Mermen and mermaids are often found in art and poetry. Certain sea animals, such as the seal, the dolphin, and especially the manatee or sea cow, look a little like human beings from a distance. This similarity in appearance may explain the stories. See also Sirenia .
