Mermaids inhabit stories, poems, legends, and folklore. It seems that nearly everywhere there’s an ocean (and some lakes) there’s an account of a mermaid. This month for the 2016 A to Z Blog Challenge I am going to explore and celebrate these fascinating creatures. Dive in and join me!
A is for Atargatis, the first recorded mermaid from Assyria.
Mermaids first appeared in stories about 1000 BC. Atargatis was a goddess who fell in love with a mortal man who was a shepherd. When she accidentally killed him, she was so filled with grief that she threw herself into the ocean with the hope of becoming a fish. Because she was divinely beautiful, the transformation was not complete. Her lower body became that of a fish while her upper body remained human.
(Information from the Sea-thos Foundation )
A is for Aqualicious by Victoria Kann (author and illustrator) picture book for ages 4-8 Harper 2015
When Pinkalicious finds a shell at the beach she puts it up to her ear. Instead of the ocean, she hears a voice and discovers a merminnie named Aqualicious. (A merminnie is a rare type of small mermaid.) They enjoy the day until the mermaid decides it is time to return to her ocean home. Pinkalicious and her brother help her to get back where she belongs. This is a sweet story.
and finally,
A is for Aquamarine
Best friends, Hailey and Claire seek a miracle when Hailey about to move away. The miracle comes in the form of a mermaid named Aquamarine who shows up in the city pool after a fierce storm. Aquamarine is determined to find true love because her father doesn’t believe it exists. This 2006 chick flick has received mixed reviews. It was awarded the teen choice award and according to the current comments, it continues to be enjoyed by many viewers.
Did you ever pretend to be a mermaid when you were little?
That’s a lovely story of the Goddess. And yes, Aquamarine is one of my favorite chicklits. You started the challenge with a bang, Claire! Let’s rock it!
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I am really enjoying discovering how many different mermaids there are around the world. Thanks for exploring with me.
These are all stories I’ve never heard about.
I particulalry like the first one 🙂
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Jazz Age Jazz
Theere are so many mermaid stories – I could probably go through the alphabet twice.
AQUALICIOUS!!!
My pumpkin used to watch Aquamarine. It was cute.
I love this theme! 🙂 I knew about Atargatis because one of my favorite Roman era writers, Lucian, mentions her. I have some friends who are professional mermaids, and as a storyteller, that fascinates me… I am looking forward to reading more! 🙂
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
I would love to know more about your professional mermaid friends! Mermaid stories are fascinating and have been around much longer than I knew.
Why have I never heard of Aquamarine???? I must see this movie — the special effects look amazing. I do love mermaid stories. Can’t wait to get mine back into print. 🙂
I only discovered the movie as I was researching mermaids but my 3 daughters had all seen it before. I would love to read your mermaid book. Is it for children or adults?
I don’t think I’ve ever pretended to be a mermaid, but I loved watching The Little Mermaid and singing that song “Part of your World.”
Hi Cynthia, “Part of your world” is one of those songs that keep playing in one’s head (kind of like “Let it go”)
I’ll probably be singing it all day now!
What a great theme!
I’m having fun finding all things mermaid!
What a great theme.
Although I live clsoe enough to the sea and spend many summers on the Atlantic Ocean, mermaids weren’t on my thoughts or in my dreams. I enjoyed discovering more through your stories and this month will for sure bring many more. Good luck with the challenge, Claire.
Thanks and good luck to you, too!
Oh yes, I still want to be a mermaid.
Thanks for telling us about Atargatis.
Hi Trine, there are actually mermaid tails and fins now. We should try them out!