Mermaids are famous for their incredible beauty which humans believed surpassed all mortal beings. Legends claim that the beauty of a mermaid is so great that it could mesmerize men and lure them into the sea. Myths claim that the mermaid’s gorgeous appearance could lure entire ships onto the rocks. Orkney folklore claims that as well as a mesmerizing appearance, mermaids possessed haunting but gorgeous voices like the voices of sirens. This myth may have been started by the sirens’ transformation from harpy-like creatures mermaids. A popular Greek legend turned Alexander the Great’s sister, Thessalonike, into a mermaid after her death, living in the Aegean. She would ask the sailors on any ship she would encounter only one question: “Is King Alexander alive?” , to which the correct answer was: “He lives and reigns and conquers the world”. This answer would please her, and she would accordingly calm the waters and bid the ship farewell. Any other answer would enrage her, and she would stir up a terrible storm, dooming the ship and every sailor on board.
Very beautiful handpainted mermaid.
This mermaid is holding one typical greek church in her arms.
Thickness of wood : 5 mm
Height: 50 centimeters
Width: 16.5 centimeters
