Part-human, part-fish

Stories about part-human, part-fish beings are found across many cultures and mythologies worldwide.

Mesopotamian Mythology

Oannes and the Apkallu: In Sumerian and Babylonian traditions, Oannes and the Apkallu were half-human, half-fish beings who brought knowledge, writing, and civilization to humanity. They emerged from the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Hea or Ea, the god of the Nineveh tablets, was a fish-god: he was represented in the Chaldean monuments as half man and half fish; he was described as the god, not of the rivers and seas, but of “the abyss”–to wit, the ocean.

The seven sages, referred to as Apkallu, are depicted in myths and art as having both human and non-human. Apkallu were said to possess profound wisdom and were credited with teaching mankind various aspects of civilization, such as rituals, medicine, and crafts. Some of them are shown as part-human and part-fish, symbolizing their origin from the watery domain of Enki, the god of wisdom and water.

In the Hebrew Bible, Dagon was characterized as the chief of the Philistines. Dagon is described as a half-man, half-fish. The Philistines attributed their victories to Dagon, bringing trophies, including the Ark of the Covenant, to his temple.

Greek Mythology

Triton: A son of Poseidon, Triton is depicted as a merman with the upper body of a man and the tail of a fish.

Sirens: Although often depicted as part-bird in early Greek myths, later interpretations combine Sirens with mermaid-like features.

Nereids: Mermaids and sea nymphs appear as half-human, half-fish creatures who dwell in the ocean and are associated with beauty and danger.

Pleione was an Oceanid nymph, Argiope a silver-faced water nymph

Norse Mythology

Maren or Havfrue: Scandinavian folklore includes tales of Havfrue (sea women) who are part-human, part-fish beings associated with the ocean. They are often linked with omens and magic.

African Mythology

Nomo is their name for Sirius. “No mos. I am from Sirius. Nomos.” That is what it means.

Bashar

Nommos: In the cosmology of the Dogon people of Mali View Map, the Nommos are amphibious, part-human, part-fish beings associated with water and creation. They are described as highly intelligent beings who brought knowledge, order, and agriculture to humanity. The Nommos are also linked to the Sirius star system and play a central role in Dogon mythology. They are revered as teachers and civilizers.

Mami Wata: In West and Central African cultures, Mami Wata is a powerful water spirit depicted as a beautiful half-human, half-fish woman. She is associated with wealth, healing, and fertility.

Yemoja (Yemaya): In Yoruba mythology, Yemoja is a mother goddess of the sea often portrayed with mermaid-like characteristics.

Asian Mythology

Ningyo: In Japanese folklore, Ningyo are mermaid-like creatures whose flesh was believed to grant immortality if consumed.

Manohara: A character from Buddhist mythology in Southeast Asia, she is a kinnari (part-human, part-bird in origin) but is sometimes depicted with aquatic features in localized versions.

Matsya: In Hindu mythology, Matsya is an avatar of Vishnu who appears as a part-man, part-fish figure to save the world from a great flood and protect sacred texts.

Makara: A sea creature often associated with deities like Varuna and Ganga, it is sometimes depicted with humanoid features.

European Folklore

Mermaids and Mermen: Stories of mermaids and mermen are widespread in European folklore, from the British Isles to Eastern Europe. These beings are often portrayed as seductive and mystical but can be dangerous to sailors. Melusine is a legendary figure deeply rooted in European folklore.

Selkies: In Scottish and Irish mythology, selkies are seal-like creatures that can shed their skins to become human.

Lamia (Lamiak): Female water spirits in Basque mythology; in some legends, the Lamiak are the true builders of the dolmens instead of the Mairu.

Native American Mythology

Water Spirits and Fish People: Various Native American tribes, including the Lakota and the Coast Salish, tell stories of water spirits or fish people who are part-human and part-fish. These beings are often protectors of water or teachers of its mysteries.

Polynesian Mythology

Mo’o: In Hawaiian legends, Mo’o are lizard or serpent-like water spirits, sometimes depicted as having fish-like attributes, with connections to fertility and guardianship of water sources.

Vatea: In Cook Islands mythology, Vatea is a creator god with half of his body depicted as human and the other half as a fish.

Mesoamerican Mythology

Chalchiuhtlicue: In Aztec mythology, Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of rivers and oceans, is sometimes depicted with aquatic features symbolizing her domain over water and fertility.

Inuit Mythology

In Inuit mythology, Agloolik is a spirit tied to the icy Arctic waters, often depicted as dwelling beneath the sea ice. It’s a protector of seals

The Sedna Ceremony: To calm Sedna when rules break and hunger hits, the angakkuq visits her underwater, brushes her hair, and pleads for prey.

From the Akashic Records

They had all seen mermaids, sea horses, sea giants, and so on. And, naturally, they had also heard the mermaid’s songs. “‘It’s better not to listen to such singing,’ they said, almost warning me. ‘For many sailors have lost their minds. They abandoned their wives and children and spent most of their lives at sea in order to see and hear the mermaids.’

Atlantis: The end of a continent