Nasim Amiri Ghadi 1, Amirali R. Davoudpour 2
- Faculty of Anthropology and Cultural Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan-Poland
- Iranian Canon of Medicine and Law, Administrative Wing of Law and Healing Association, Iranian Watchdog of Medicine and Law, Tehran-Iran
Email of the corresponding author: nasami@st.amu.edu.pl
Accepted and published October, 2024
This article is published under CC BY 4.0 creative common license that Allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the original creator.
Abstract
Marrying a mermaid, or a similar sea creature, has been a recurrent theme in mythologies and folklore across various cultures. These unions are often depicted as carrying both symbolic meanings and potential misfortune. This article explores the cultural, spiritual, and ritualistic methods presented in different folklore traditions for overcoming bad luck following a marriage with a mermaid. By examining tales from European, Greek, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean traditions, we examine the ways humans can mitigate or lift the curse associated with such unions. The findings suggest that overcoming misfortune involves respecting supernatural boundaries, undergoing spiritual rituals, demonstrating loyalty, and sometimes making great sacrifices.
Keywords: Mythology, Mermaids, Curse