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Merman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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merman

[หˆmษœหrmษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mythical creature

A merman is a legendary sea creature that is typically depicted as having the upper body of a human male and the lower body of a fish. They are often associated with various mythologies and folklore, particularly in maritime cultures. Mermen are frequently portrayed as guardians of the sea or as beings with magical abilities, and they have been popular subjects in art and literature. The concept of the merman shares similarities with that of mermaids, but it traditionally focuses on the male form. They can be seen as both benevolent and malevolent figures, depending on the particular story or culture.

Synonyms

marine human, ocean spirit, sea man.

Examples of usage

  • The sailors spoke of a merman sighting off the coast.
  • In the ancient legend, the merman saved the drowning prince.
  • Artists often depict mermen in vibrant oceanic settings.
  • The story included a fierce merman who guarded his underwater kingdom.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Representation

  • Mermen are commonly featured in folklore and mythology, often depicted as protectors of the sea and its inhabitants.
  • In modern media, mermen appear in various films, books, and TV shows, diversifying their portrayal from fearsome to friendly characters.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

  • Mermen often symbolize the mystery of the ocean, representing humanityโ€™s fascination with unexplored waters.
  • In some fantasy literature, mermen possess magical abilities, allowing them to communicate with aquatic animals.

Psychology

  • The idea of creatures like mermen can reflect our deep-seated desires to explore new worlds and escape the mundane.
  • Mermen also represent the duality of human nature, being part of two worlds: the human and the animal.

Literature

  • Classic literature features mermen as enigmatic characters, such as in Hans Christian Andersen's stories, impacting cultural perceptions of these beings.
  • In Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', there are references to sea creatures, exploring themes of magic and the unknown.

Origin of 'merman'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'merman' comes from the Old English 'mere', meaning 'sea', and 'man', meaning 'human'.
  • Historically, terms for merpeople vary across cultures, such as 'selkie' in Scottish folklore, referring to seal-human beings.

The word 'merman' originates from the Old English 'mer,' meaning 'sea,' and 'man,' which is a term for a male human. The concept of half-man, half-fish beings can be traced back to various ancient mythologies and folktales across different cultures. Similar to the female counterpart, the mermaid, mermen have appeared in historical texts, artworks, and folklore as symbols of the mystery and enchantment of the sea. In cultures such as Mesopotamian, Greek, and Norse, these creatures are often depicted with divine qualities or as semi-divine entities possessing unique powers related to the ocean. Over time, they have been integrated into modern literature and popular culture, maintaining their allure as mythical beings associated with the waters.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,511, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.