Mermaids have captured human imagination for centuries, appearing in myths, folklore, and even modern pop culture. These mysterious sea beings are often depicted as half-human, half-fish creatures, living beneath the waves in hidden underwater kingdoms. But mermaids aren’t just pretty faces with shimmering tails—they come in many forms, each with their own unique traits, powers, and even temperaments.
Across the world, different cultures tell different stories about mermaids. Some see them as beautiful, enchanting beings who bring good fortune and love. Others warn of their darker side, describing them as dangerous creatures that lure sailors to their doom. From gentle sea guardians to fierce hunters of the deep, mermaids exist in all shades of light and shadow.
Whether you believe in them as mystical beings or just love the idea of them, mermaids hold a special place in our collective imagination. They represent freedom, mystery, and a connection to the vast, unexplored ocean. Their stories reflect our hopes, fears, and fascination with the unknown.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of mermaids found in legend and folklore. Each one has its own personality, abilities, and place in the magical world of the sea. Some are kind, some are mischievous, and some are downright terrifying. Let’s dive in and discover the many faces of mermaids!
What Is A Mermaid?
A mermaid is traditionally described as a creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish. They are said to dwell in the ocean, rivers, and lakes, often appearing to humans in mysterious and magical ways. In many legends, mermaids are known for their mesmerizing beauty and hauntingly beautiful voices, which can either enchant or endanger those who hear them.
The idea of mermaids is ancient, dating back thousands of years. Stories of similar beings exist in cultures all over the world, from the sirens of Greek mythology to the water spirits of African and Asian traditions. Some tales depict them as kind and helpful, guiding lost sailors to safety. Others describe them as vengeful spirits, pulling ships beneath the waves when angered.
Despite their differences in myth, one thing remains the same—mermaids symbolize the power and mystery of water itself. They represent both life and danger, wonder and fear. Whether they are protectors of the ocean or its most feared predators depends on which version of the story you believe.
25 Types of Mermaids
1. Sirens: The Singers of Doom
While often confused with mermaids, Sirens are an entirely different breed of sea-dweller—more akin to harbingers of death than gentle ocean maidens. In early Greek mythology, they were monstrous bird-women, perched on rocky shores, their voices weaving spells of longing and despair. Later, their image evolved into that of ethereal, fish-tailed beauties whose hypnotic songs lured sailors to their doom. Whether avian or aquatic, one thing remained unchanged: to hear a Siren’s voice was to invite certain death. Their most famous encounter was with Odysseus, who had his crew plug their ears with wax while he lashed himself to the mast, desperate to hear their forbidden melody without succumbing to it.
2. Selkies: The Tragic Lovers of the Sea
Among the most poignant of sea legends are the tales of the Selkies, shapeshifting seal-people who live between two worlds but truly belong to neither. Off the coasts of Scotland, Ireland, and even Iceland, stories tell of Selkie women whose sealskins are stolen, binding them to land and forcing them into marriage. Though they may grow to love their human captors, their longing for the sea never wanes. When they finally reclaim their hidden skin, they vanish beneath the waves, leaving behind broken-hearted husbands and children who will never see them again. But Selkies are not always victims—male Selkies are said to be irresistibly handsome, appearing to lonely women who cry seven tears into the ocean. Their affairs, however passionate, are fleeting, leaving human lovers with only the echoes of the tide.
3. Alven (Ottermaaner): The Shape-Shifting River Spirits
Deep in the rivers of the Netherlands, the Alven—also known as Ottermaaner, or “otter-men”—glide beneath the water’s surface. These mystical beings are part mermaid, part elf, and part shapeshifter. Unlike the traditional mermaid, they don’t have fish tails but instead take on the form of sleek otters when they slip into the water, thanks to their enchanted otter-skins.
Legends say the Alven can also travel inside shimmering bubbles, floating through the air just above the riverbanks. They are most commonly found in and around the River Elbe, where they are said to guard the waters and protect their secret realms. However, those who disturb their peace or attempt to steal their enchanted skins may find themselves at the mercy of their unpredictable magic.
Like their distant relatives, the Selkies, Alven must be careful to keep their otter-skins safe. If stolen, they can be trapped in human form, unable to return to the water. While not inherently dangerous, they are wild spirits of the river, and those who cross them may not live to tell the tale.
4. Blue Men of the Minch: The Poetic Sea Wreckers
Sailing near Scotland’s Minch strait is not for the faint of heart, for lurking beneath its waves are the infamous Blue Men of the Minch. These eerie, storm-loving merfolk are known for their sky-blue skin, long beards, and the unsettling ability to stir up deadly tempests. They are sometimes called Storm Kelpies, a fitting name for creatures who delight in wrecking ships and dragging sailors to their doom.
But there is an odd twist to their terror—they have a love for poetry. According to legend, if you encounter a Blue Man, he will challenge you to a battle of wits, demanding that you finish his rhyming verse. Fail, and you will find yourself at the bottom of the sea. Succeed, and you may just escape with your ship intact.
Some believe the Blue Men are the restless spirits of the ancient Picts, their blue-painted bodies transformed by the sea. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain—if a storm is brewing over the Minch, you’d best hope they are in a generous mood.
5. Camenae: The Sacred Water Goddesses
The Camenae are not your typical mermaids but ancient Roman goddesses of sacred wells, springs, and fountains. Once worshiped for their wisdom and healing powers, they were said to watch over pregnant women and those seeking divine inspiration. Eventually, their stories merged with those of the Greek Muses, further linking them to poetry, prophecy, and sacred knowledge.
Their most famous sanctuary lies just outside the Porta Capena in Rome, where their enchanted waters once drew seekers of wisdom and healing. Legends claim that those who drank from their springs would be granted insight into the future.
Unlike the more mischievous or dangerous mermaids of folklore, the Camenae are benevolent spirits, offering guidance to those who respect their waters. However, disturbing a sacred spring without permission may earn you their wrath, turning their life-giving waters into a source of misfortune.
6. Finfolk: The Ocean’s Secretive Gardeners
Hidden beneath the waves of Orkney, the Finfolk tend to lush, otherworldly gardens deep in the sea. Unlike typical mermaids, these mysterious beings are said to have the ability to walk on land, blending seamlessly with humans when they choose.
Finwives are said to be stunningly beautiful, with flowing hair and an air of mystery, while Finmen have a darker, more fearsome presence. While some Finfolk are known to kidnap humans and take them to their hidden underwater realm, others simply wish to be left in peace, tending to their enchanted gardens.
Despite their eerie reputation, the Finfolk are not purely malevolent. They are ancient, wise, and deeply connected to the ocean’s magic. But those who cross them may find themselves trapped in a watery world they can never leave.
7. Corrigans: The Sirens of Brittany
In the misty landscapes of Brittany, the Corrigans weave their enchantments along rivers, wells, and ancient fountains. These seductive water spirits share traits with both mermaids and faeries, appearing as breathtakingly beautiful women with golden hair and mesmerizing voices. But behind their beauty lies danger.
Like sirens, Corrigans are known to sing and comb their hair, luring men to their watery graves. But they have another eerie habit—stealing human babies and replacing them with changelings. This has made them both feared and respected among the locals.
Legends suggest that the Corrigans were once divine beings who fell from grace, cursed to haunt the waters forever. Those who encounter them should beware—for their song is impossible to resist, and their tricks are not easily undone.
8. Dracs: The Dragon-Mermaids of France
The Dracs of France are not the elegant mermaids of fairy tales. Instead, these monstrous water-serpents blend the worlds of mermaids and dragons, lurking in the depths of the River Rhône. Unlike most merfolk, they can shapeshift into anything they desire—stunning young women, terrifying dragons, or even gleaming golden chalices that rest temptingly on the water’s surface.
But beware—those who reach for the treasure find themselves pulled beneath the waves, never to be seen again. Some say the Dracs are connected to the legendary Melusine, the half-woman, half-dragon spirit of European folklore.
Tales speak of these creatures sneaking into villages at night, searching for children and young women to steal away to their underwater lairs. Whether they take them for companionship or something more sinister is unknown.
9. Mal-de-Mer: The Evil of the Sea
Not all mermaids bring wonder—some bring only misfortune. The Mal-de-Mer, whose name translates to “Evil of the Sea,” are dreaded beings from Brittany. Feared by sailors and fishermen, they are blamed for shipwrecks, lost souls, and even the mysterious sickness that strikes those who spend too long at sea.
Unlike other mermaids, the Mal-de-Mer do not sing or seduce. They haunt the waters in silence, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Some believe they are the spirits of drowned sailors, cursed to drag others down with them.
Few have ever claimed to see them and survive, but one thing is certain—if you feel an unnatural chill in the water, it may already be too late.
10. Merrows: The Enchanted Mermaids of Ireland
In Ireland, tales of the “wee folk” include the merrows, a unique kind of mermaid with seaweed-green hair, webbed fingers, and a fish’s tail. Unlike many mermaids, merrows are known to fall in love with humans, sometimes even taking human husbands or wives.
But love with a merrow is never simple. They wear magical red caps that allow them to return to the sea, and if they ever find their lost caps, they will leave their human lives behind, disappearing into the ocean forever.
Despite their otherworldly appearance, merrows are not considered dangerous. They are gentle, melancholic beings, forever torn between two worlds—the call of the sea and the love of the shore.
11. Neck (Nokk): The Haunting Sirens of Scandinavia
The Neck, or Nokk, is one of the most haunting mermaid spirits of Scandinavia. Found in the Baltic Sea and surrounding waters, this shapeshifting being appears as a stunning woman or a ghostly figure, playing a harp with music so beautiful it ensnares the soul.
But her song is a trap. Those who listen too long are drawn into the water, where they are pulled beneath the waves, never to return. The Neck is a creature of sorrow, forever luring the living into her watery embrace.
Though deadly, some stories claim that if a human plays music for the Neck in return, she may spare them—or even fall in love. But such love is dangerous, for a mermaid’s heart belongs to the sea, and no human can hold it for long.
12. Shellycoats: The Tricksters of Rivers and Lakes
Hailing from the misty rivers and shadowed lakes of England and Scotland, Shellycoats are enigmatic water spirits draped in coats of clinking seashells. Their very name comes from this peculiar attire, which rattles and clacks as they move—a telltale sign of their presence. While some believe Shellycoats to be dangerous, others say they are more mischievous than malevolent, delighting in pranks played upon unsuspecting travelers.
A favorite trick of the Shellycoat is to mimic the sounds of someone drowning, drawing would-be rescuers to the water’s edge, only to disappear in a fit of ghostly laughter. Their legend reaches beyond the British Isles—Jacob Grimm himself linked them to the German Schellenrock, or “bell coat,” suggesting that these trickster spirits may be cousins across cultures. Whether they intend harm or merely revel in chaos is uncertain, but encountering a Shellycoat always means a brush with the supernatural.
13. Tritons: The Heralds of the Deep
Most know Triton as the father of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, but his origins lie deep in Greek mythology. Triton, a mighty sea god and the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, was depicted as a merman wielding a conch shell trumpet, which he used to calm or stir the waves at will. Over time, the name Triton came to refer not only to the god himself but also to a race of sea-dwelling beings—noble and powerful merfolk who serve as guardians of the ocean depths.
Tritons are often depicted with muscular human torsos and shimmering fish tails, their presence signifying divine intervention in seafaring affairs. Some stories claim they are peaceful, guiding lost sailors to shore, while others depict them as warriors, commanding the tides to swallow entire fleets. Whether benevolent or formidable, Tritons remain among the most iconic of the ocean’s mystical denizens.
14. Undines: The Elemental Mermaids of Water
In esoteric traditions and ceremonial magic, the four classical elements are ruled by powerful spirits known as elementals. Undines, the beings of water, are both mermaids and divine forces of nature, embodying the fluidity, healing, and destructive power of the seas, lakes, and rivers.
Undines are invoked in rituals that tap into the water element, often called upon to bring clarity, emotional healing, or transformation. Like the ocean itself, they can be calm and nurturing one moment and tempestuous the next. In some legends, they are protectors of sacred waters, appearing as ethereal mermaids with luminescent blue-green skin and flowing hair made of seafoam. Those who earn their favor may receive prophetic dreams or blessings of love, but those who anger them risk being swept away by the tides of fate.
15. Vodianoy: The Slavic Master of Drowned Souls
The Vodianoy is a chilling water spirit of Slavic mythology, lurking in rivers, lakes, and ponds with his grotesque, amphibian-like features. Unlike the ethereal Rusalka, the Vodianoy is a monstrous entity with a frog’s head, webbed hands, and a long, tangled beard dripping with algae. His pale, bloated body is said to resemble that of a drowned man, and he rarely interacts with humans—except when dragging them to a watery grave.
In Russian folklore, drowning deaths are often attributed to the Vodianoy’s wrath. Fishermen and millers once paid him tribute, offering gifts to ensure safe waters. Curiously, in some parts of Russia, he is called “Grandfather” and regarded as a primal ancestor, linking humanity’s origins to the water. Even more intriguingly, some scholars draw comparisons between the Vodianoy and ancient aquatic myths from around the world, suggesting a deep, ancestral fear of what lurks beneath the surface.
16. Vodnik: The Czech Keeper of Souls
Closely related to the Vodianoy, the Vodnik is a Slavic water spirit found in Czech and Slovak folklore. Unlike his Russian counterpart, the Vodnik lacks the grotesque frog-like visage but is still an eerie being with green skin, gills, and webbed hands. His legend is both chilling and fascinating—Vodniks are said to collect the souls of drowned individuals, storing them in porcelain cups beneath the water.
Much like Celtic merfolk who capture human souls, the Vodnik’s existence raises eerie questions: How is it that two entirely separate cultures have nearly identical myths? Were these spirits once real entities, feared and worshipped by ancient peoples? Whether he is a mere folktale or something more, the Vodnik’s unsettling presence in Slavic legend endures.
17. Kelpies: The Dark Shape-Shifting Spirits of the Lochs
Water horse spirits are a universal phenomenon, but few are as infamous as the Scottish kelpie. These shape-shifting creatures are said to inhabit lochs, their slick black bodies blending seamlessly with the water. While some legends paint them as mere tricksters, others claim they are deadly, luring unsuspecting travelers onto their backs before dragging them to a watery doom.
Kelpies have the ability to take human form, often appearing as handsome young men who seduce lonely women before revealing their true nature. Even in disguise, they bear one telltale sign—their horse hooves, which they can never fully hide. Capturing a kelpie is said to be possible with a blessed bridle, binding it to land and forcing it into servitude. Some tales even tell of humans marrying captive kelpies, though whether these unions ended in happiness or horror remains uncertain.
Scotland’s deep, dark waters still carry the whispers of kelpies, and whether as symbols of caution or creatures of truth, they remain one of the most haunting merfolk legends.
18. Iara: The Seductive Snake-Mermaid of Brazil
South America, too, has its own mermaid myths, and one of the most alluring is the tale of the Iara. Found in the folklore of Brazil, the Iara—sometimes called Uiara or Yara—is a snake-tailed mermaid who dwells in the Amazon River. Her name means “Lady of the Waters,” and like her European counterparts, she is often depicted as a breathtakingly beautiful woman who lures men to their doom with her enchanting song.
The Iara legend has evolved over time. In some versions, she is a vengeful spirit, seducing and drowning those who dare to cross her waters. In others, she is a benevolent guardian of the river, protecting its creatures and offering guidance to those who respect her domain. Whether a predator or protector, the Iara remains one of the most enigmatic mermaids of South American lore.
19. Nereids: The Benevolent Sea Nymphs
In stark contrast to the deceptive nixie or vengeful rusalka, the Nereids are benevolent sea nymphs who delight in aiding sailors and heroes alike. These graceful beings, daughters of Nereus and Doris, shimmer like sunlight on the waves and are often depicted as protectors of the ocean’s harmony. Greek mythology speaks of their kindness, especially in aiding Jason and the Argonauts on their perilous journey. The Nereids are not solitary—they move in shimmering schools, accompanied by dolphins, sea horses, and even the mighty Tritons. Some of the most well-known among them include Amphitrite, the wife of Poseidon; Thetis, mother of the famed Achilles; and Calypso, the nymph who ensnared Odysseus in a web of longing.
20. Ningen: The Antarctic Cryptid
A modern mystery shrouded in icy mist, the Ningen is a cryptid of Japanese folklore that continues to haunt the imaginations of deep-sea explorers and conspiracy theorists alike. Described as a colossal, pale-white humanoid figure with the body of a whale and eerily human-like limbs, the Ningen is said to prowl the Antarctic waters under cover of night. Some reports claim they stretch up to 90 feet long, with hauntingly empty eyes that seem to pierce through the abyss. While skeptics argue that these sightings are misidentified icebergs or large sea creatures, believers whisper of an ancient, undiscovered species lurking beneath the waves—perhaps the last remnants of an undiscovered merfolk.
21. Nixen: The Enigmatic Water Spirits
Mysterious, alluring, and deadly—the Nixen are water spirits deeply ingrained in Germanic folklore. While often appearing as breathtakingly beautiful women, there’s always a telltale sign of their otherworldly nature: their dripping wet hair, the hem of their dress eternally damp, or the sheen of water droplets clinging to their porcelain skin. Some legends paint them as benevolent, offering musical enchantments or guiding lost travelers. Others, however, tell of a far darker nature—Nixen who lure victims into lakes and rivers, dragging them into the abyss. In some versions, they take on the form of sleek black horses, much like the kelpie, tempting unwitting riders before plunging them into the depths. Metal and iron are believed to repel them, offering a fleeting chance of escape.
22. Nommo: The Starborn Water Deities
The Nommo are no ordinary merfolk—they are celestial beings, sacred to the Dogon people of Mali, who believe these enigmatic water spirits descended from the heavens long ago. More than mere sea-dwellers, the Nommo are considered divine, credited with imparting knowledge, wisdom, and even humanity itself. Depicted as half-human, half-fish entities, they hold a deep spiritual significance, acting as both creators and teachers. Interestingly, Dogon oral traditions include remarkably detailed astronomical knowledge, including references to the Sirius star system—an aspect that has fascinated modern researchers. Whether cosmic ancestors or mythological figures, the Nommo remain a captivating link between the stars and the sea.
23. Roanes: The Seal-Shifters of Ireland
Roanes, the Irish counterparts of the Scottish Selkies, are shapeshifting beings who live between two worlds—the cold, rolling sea and the rugged coastal lands. In their seal form, they glide through the waves with effortless grace, but on land, they shed their skins to reveal stunningly beautiful human figures. Legends abound of fishermen who capture Roane women by stealing their sealskins, forcing them into a life of captivity as human wives. Though these unions often bear children, the call of the ocean never fades. Should a Roane find her hidden skin, she will vanish beneath the waves, never looking back. Some say their haunting cries can still be heard in the wind over the cliffs, mourning the families they left behind.
24. Rusalki: The Vengeful Spirits of the River
Rusalki are no gentle mermaids—they are the specters of drowned women, trapped between worlds and filled with bitter sorrow. Slavic folklore describes them as pale, ghostly beings with long, tangled green hair that floats around them like tendrils of seaweed. They dwell in lakes, rivers, and swamps, emerging under the moonlight to entice travelers to the water’s edge. Once close enough, the unfortunate victim is pulled under, their last breath stolen by the rusalka’s cold embrace. Some tales suggest they were once goddesses, later demonized as Christianity spread across the region. Others claim they can be pacified through offerings or exorcisms, freeing their souls at last.
25. Sea Gods and Goddesses: Divine Merfolk of Myth
Before the idea of mermaids as playful or perilous beings, the oceans were ruled by divine entities who embodied the untamed power of the sea. These deities, often depicted as half-human, half-fish, blur the line between merfolk and gods. Poseidon and Neptune, trident in hand, command the waves. Triton, their herald, calms and stirs the sea with his mighty conch. Yemaya, the Orisha goddess of the ocean, is both a nurturer and a tempest. Sedna, the Inuit sea mother, controls the creatures of the deep. Mami Wata, a seductive and powerful water spirit, grants wealth and protection to those who earn her favor. The question remains: did mermaids arise from these deities, or were they inspired by them?
A Sea of Possibilities
Mermaids are more than just mythical creatures; they are symbols of the ocean’s beauty, power, and mystery. Whether seen as protectors, tricksters, or something in between, they remind us of the wonders that still lie beneath the waves. Their stories continue to evolve, taking on new meanings with each generation.
As we explore the different types of mermaids, keep an open mind—these legendary beings are as deep and unpredictable as the sea itself. You never know which one might call to you, waiting to reveal its secrets.
