9 Mermaid Myths From Around The World

9. Rusalka

A rusalka is a Slavic mythical creature that looks like a beautiful young woman who lives in water. They are usually small and pale with long hair that is blonde, light brown, or green. Their eyes don't have pupils and if they're evil, the eyes are bright green. Unlike common mermaids, they have legs instead of fishtails.

Originally they were associated with fertility as they would come to land to dance in the moonlight during the spring, which would water the crops and forests. In modern times they are often considered malicious, concentrating on harming people and seducing or kidnapping men. If a human sees them dancing, they will be forced to dance with them until they die.

There are many different stories detailing how someone becomes a rusalka. The most common is that of the spirit of a girl who died a violent death usually through murder or suicide. Others say it is any woman who died a virgin or any baby who died without being baptized. Further stories say that it is anyone who drowned themselves. Some say that they live a limited amount of time, while in other stories they don't die until their death is avenged.