Chapters one through two of Vaughn Scribner’s Merpeople: A Human History discuss the origins of mermaids and how these creatures became a cultural phenomenon. As someone unfamiliar with the history behind mermaids, I found it fascinating to learn how Christianity impacted their perception.
Initially, churches used images and sculptures of mermaids to “remind followers of the infinite power of God” and force onlookers to confront their “relationship with their faith” and “sinful nature” (Scribner 43). From a modern perspective, I found this particularly interesting as I never considered mermaids to be overtly monstrous. However, as I consider the era in which these images were created, I can understand how these creatures may be jarring. In the medieval ages, women were demonized and expected to be subservient to men. Early depictions of mermaids reflect this as they describe these women as “a monstrosity” and “suggestive reminder of the dangers of feminity” (Scribner 51). Essentially, mermaids were thought to be destructive, “vengeful creatures” who would lead men “to their misfortune” (Scribner 55).
Growing up, I only ever thought of mermaids as strong, independent women navigating the difficult nature of the ocean. I looked up to mermaids and would often daydream about a life where I was one. So, upon reading this week’s chapters, I was shocked to learn that this perspective was entirely different from those in the medieval ages. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a woman at a time when these stories were believed to be fact. To men, women were purely figures of fear and desire. I am curious to see if the book discusses how the perception of mermaids evolved to become the symbol of female empowerment I associate them with today.
Hi Elise,
I had a very similar experience to you with my introduction to the course materials. Beforehand I never thought twice about what a mermaid represented beyond a fantastical representation of a strong woman such as in “The Little Mermaid” which was mine, as well as many others, first major introduction to the mermaid. Mermaids, to me, were often thought of in similar to a superhero with its greater and supernatural powers which supersede that of a human. I was shocked how intertwined the mermaid is with religion and how widespread its symbolism is spread throughout a variety of human cultures. It is interesting to me how such an idea would be considered pagan or against the church, similar to how the idea of evolution is frowned upon I feel like the mermaid could almost be a symbol for what evolution is.
Great post and comment. Glad to see you two finding fascination in the readings and in the ideas stemming from them. Great conversation emerging here!
Hi Elise, I like your thoughts in the last paragraph. Similarly, I have always seen mermaids as independent and self sufficient, and I was surprised to read about how the church utilized the symbol of the mermaid. I wonder if there were any occasions similar to the Salem witch trials, with mermaids being the influencing ‘bad’ factor instead of mermaids.
Oops I meant instead of witches on the last sentence.
Hi Elise, while reading through these chapter I too found it interesting how much mermaids were related to religion. I wondered why mermaids and women in general had a bad rep. There were a few lines that stood out such as, “another described women in simple, damning language: ‘you live here on earth as the world’s most imperfect creature: the scum of nature . . . the guardian of excrement, a monster in nature, an evil necessity, a multiple chimera.” (Scribner 61). I wondered, what did women do to make this man so mad. Then I remembered reading, “the Christian Church had spent the last ten centuries equating femininity with inferiority”. (Scribner 60). Since even the Church was denigrating women, I though what did women do to make the Church mad? What I came up with was that in the story of Adam and Eve, Eve (woman) was the one to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit. So according to scripture, it’s the women’s fault for sin in this world. My assumption is the Christian Church uses the mermaid years later as a tool to keep oppressing women and to keep that bad image of them since Adam & Eve.
Wow, your post was eye-opening! I never realized the historical roots behind the perception of mermaids. It’s intriguing to see how they were initially used in religious contexts to convey specific messages about faith and morality. Your reflection on the contrast between the medieval view of mermaids as monstrous and the modern perspective of them as symbols of strength and independence is thought-provoking. I’m also curious to see if the book delves into the evolution of this perception. Great insights!