9 Mermaid Myths From Around The World

In Ireland, they have tales of merrows, meaning sea-maids, and mermen. The men are described as extremely ugly as they have scales, pig-like features, and long, pointed teeth. The women look more like humans. The only difference is that they have flat feet and webbed fingers. Stories say that the men are not seen very often. Instead, it's the women who interact with humans.

Some say that in order to live underwater they have a red cap that allows them to breathe. In northern regions, they are said to have sealskin coats that let them live underwater like a seal.

The women are highly beautiful and tend to be rich from stealing gold from sunken ships. Due to this, human men will sometimes steal their clothing and hide it. Without the cap or coat, the merrows can't return to the sea. Instead they have to stay on land and they often marry the man who stole their clothing. Usually they find it again and go back to the ocean. They then leave behind their husband and any children they may have had.