When reading more of the Penguin Book of Mermaids, I found it quite intriguing once I got past the introduction. The first story I read was Oannes, which was an interesting perspective from Babylonia where they discussed a Merman. I thought the relationship between the Merman and the people of Babylon was intriguing given it seemed to be such a peaceful relationship between the humans and Merman. He brought them insight into the letters/sciences, and other types of artwork that were unknown to them. It was a dual benefitting relationship. The story describes the merman as conversing with humans in a normal and beneficial way, which is not usually the narrative set in place when talking about the relationships between Mermen/Mermaids and humans. When moving on further into the book The Tuna of Lake Vaihiria, was one of my favorite stories for this weeks reading. When the princess Hina had found out that she was the be engaged to the Eel King, she immediately went to look for help from the Sun God. As the sun god was able to kill the Eel King he told her “He chopped off his great head, which he wrapped in tapa, and presented it to Hina,saying: Hold this and put it not down an instant until you arrive home; then take and plant it in the center of your mare ground. This eels head contains great treasures…” (16) As this continues we realize the significance of the eels head, and when Hina accidentally puts it down to swim, it sprouts the tree and its treasures. As the story goes on an Hina settles in this area, she meets the two sons, one which she marries. It seems is tragedy is connected with Hina, since she lost her first husband, married the other, and then lost a daughter. It was interesting to hear the story with the significance of the eel head, and how it affected the rest of Hina’s life. It also intrigued me because of the difference in stories, and how this one didn’t include a mermaid, but a different kind of “Monster.” Overall, I really enjoyed getting more into this reading and learning about the different cultures and the myths/stories that they share with us.