True Mermaids: Beautiful, Deadly and Unattainable

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all like to dream about the possibility of there being an aquatic counterpart to humans: the beautiful, mythical, ever-elusive mermaid. There is no culture, no folklore and no mythological past that does not deal with mermaids, one way or another. They are considered both beautiful as well as not so easy on the eyes (especially when seals and manatees are mistaken for these creatures), both good as well as wicked, helping as well as harming humans. The water thus, is presented as a welcoming and nurturing element which in case of rusalkas and the nix, can offer solace and shelter to those who suffered during their lifetime. For other versions of mythical mermaids, like Melusine, the fish tail comes as a punishment for a wicked deed, and now, they are doomed to spend the rest of eternity in this form.
Others choose to use their mermaid bodies as a vessel for transformation. Mami Wata helps those she deems worthy by showering them with riches, looks and smarts (as well as more than a few other earthly pleasures). The selkie, also known as seal people, of both genders, frequently choose to shed their skin and spend (a much shorter) lifetime with a human, though sometimes this comes more as an imposition than a choice, as people would resort to anything to keep their loved ones from going away, such as keeping a selkie’s skin hidden.
Some other stories cover additional mermaid legends and tales, such as undines, Suvannamaccha and mermaids in British folklore. What's more, this book covers a few of the most famous sightings, as well as the entire, factual story of the infamous Barnum mermaid, also known as Fiji mermaid, considered to be one of the most well-known mermaid related hoaxes of all times.
Beautiful, deadly and unattainable, mermaids belong to a world we can never explore, never be a part of, but at least we can bring them closer to us through stories and perhaps even possible sightings.