9 Mermaid Myths From Around The World

Fairytales in China mention different types of mermaids, the earliest from the 4th century BC. This mermaid is called a lingyu or renyu and it has the face of a human with the body of a fish. They make the same noise as a crying baby and have four feet, and some are capable of resurrecting themselves. The text also mentions other types called chiru, diren, and huren.

The jiaoren were described during the Ming Dynasty. These mermaids cry tears that can turn into pearls. They also make silk that is highly coveted. Any man who tries to find and catch one of these mermaids is considered bad, as they are so pure. Ultimately, if he finds one she will lure him to his death by tricking him using a beautiful song.

A different type of mermaid is described as having black skin, yellow hair, webbed hands and feet, two sexes, and red wings. Another description of mermaids states that they don't look like fish. Rather, they are beautiful human-looking women, with fairy skin and long hair - yet they still live underwater.