One half-marine animal, mermaids live an intriguing life under the sea in perfect harmony with deep sea creatures. The other half-human, they are always females who capture the hearts of men and embrace women with their maternal instincts. Here are some captivating facts about mermaids for kids who are fascinated with a magical world under the water.
Fascinating Information About Mermaids For Kids
Mermaids are beautiful, mystical beings who have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike, who love to collect trinkets of these magical creatures. Their mysterious and magical nature is the main reason why they are popular characters children's mermaid books. For kids interested in learning more about the history, powers, myths and lives of these beautiful creature, share with them some of this fascinating mermaid trivia.
(1) No one is really certain about how the myth of mermaids originated.
One theory is that they were figments of the imagination of sailors who spent months at sea. They were likely delirious from their lengthy time on the water and perhaps mistook manatees for women with tails, or mermaids.
(2) Sirens are similar to mermaids because they are both half-human, half-fish.
Sirens, however, are considered to be evil predators with sharp teeth. They have a reputation for luring sailors to their death and even eating humans. Furthermore, a mermaid spotting at sea was a sign that the voyage was headed for trouble.
(3) Not only are mermaids beautiful, they have impressive superpowers.
Some of the most commonly cited mermaid superpowers include immortality, hypnosis, telepathy, and the ability to see the future. This list does not stop here, however, and the types of powers vary depending on the individual. For instance, some are believed to be able to control certain aspects of the weather, like calming storms, strengthen the wind, or bring out the hot sun from behind clouds.
(4) The gemstone aquamarine is said to be created by mermaid tears.
Sailors believed this precious ocean gemstone protected them when at sea. Pliny the Elder, a historian who lived from 23 to 79 AD, declared that mermaids kept secret treasure houses filled with these beautiful stones. These lovely objects are believed to encapsulate the beauty of mermaids.
(5) The tail is unique to every single mermaid.
Every mermaid has a fin at the end of her tail to propel her through the deep sea. The color pattern is said to reflect her personality. For instance, mermaids with pink tails always see the best side of others, have compassionate hearts, and are happiest when in the presence of others. Orange tails indicate a good-natured mermaid who are loyal and thrive when surrounded by a group of trustworthy friends. Some believe that mermaids can actually change their tail colors based on their current mood.
(6) If your children love mermaids, then there are lots of television shows and movies to keep them entertained for hours.
Some favorite mermaid TV shows include: H2O, Mako Mermaids, Life as a Mermaid, and Siren. Good mermaid movies include: Aquamarine, Splash, Scales: Mermaids are Real, The Mermaid, and The Little Mermaid.
(7) The most famous mermaid in fiction appeared in the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
In 1836, he published a story about a mermaid who traded her voice for human legs. She desired the love of a prince along with an immortal soul. The original fairytale did not have a happy ending. But when Walt Disney released a movie in 1989 under the same name, the story ends with a satisfying "happily ever after".
(8) Mermaids are mistakenly known producing the most mesmerizing music.
Mermaids are often thought to have beautiful, soulful voices that captivate the world around them. However, in reality, their close relatives called sirens are actually the ones with the gifted vocal cords. While mermaids are loving, gentle creatures who befriend those around them, sirens are considered to have evil intentions. The voices of sirens, albeit beautiful, are considered dangerous weapons associated with luring sailors to their death. Upon hearing the mesmerizing songs of sirens, sailors would fall into a hypnotic state and ultimately crash their boats into the island near the siren.
(9) The most famous mermaid hoax was perpetuated by P.T. Barnum in the 1800s.
Named the Feejee Mermaid, this creature was a grotesque half-ape, half-fish combination that did not resemble a beautiful aquamarine being. A fake naturalist was hired to support the authenticity of this fabricated mermaid.
(10) A beautiful statue was built in Copenhagen, Denmark based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid.
Artist Edvard Eriksen molded the iconic statue, perched atop a rock close to the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen since 1913. She is only about 49 inches high but weighs a whopping 365 pounds. The lovely mermaid is made of cast bronze and her pedestal is carved out of granite. She symbolizes the sacrifices made by the fairytale character, who gave up her voice and endured a lifetime of suffering. The Little Mermaid represents the epitome of choosing a life of love and selflessness, which sometimes requires giving away a piece of one's personal happiness along the way. The statue has been vandalized by paint and the destruction of her limbs and head, but the people of Copenhagen have lovingly restored her time and again.
(11) The rarest mermaid is called an extraterrestrial.
Believed to be an alien from another planet, these magical beings closely resemble the half human, half fish body form of their earthly counterparts. Enthusiasts believe they are raised underwater and more closely identify with marine life than those that prefer living on land.
(12) Disney spent $300 million on the live action Little Mermaid movie released in 2023.
Prior to this production, the 1989 animated version of The Little Mermaid captured the hearts of fans all over the world who fell in love with Ariel. The purported $250 million budget was blown, mostly due to production issues that occurred during the Covid pandemic. Reports indicate Disney ultimately spent $300 million on a movie that drastically underperformed on opening day weekend. The $95 million in ticket sales fell far short of the projected $120 million. Worldwide box office sales ultimately reached $570 million, despite mixed reviews from both critics and the audience.
(13) Professional mermaiding is a $150 to $500 million dollar industry.
Mermaiding is a hobby where people put on a tail, called a monofin, and explore underwater while mimicking the movement of a fish. It is a form of cosplay, which refers to the act of dressing up and pretending to be a character. Non-professional mermaids may engage in this activity simply for enjoyment, swimming around local pools, lakes, and oceans. They may even perform for birthday parties in exchange for a small fee. More accomplished, professional merpeople are hired for live performances, productions, and special events.
