Folklorica FULL 2024


  Reviews  79 
 

FOLKLORICA 2024, Vol. XXVIII       

Müller, Axel, Christopher Halls, and Ben Williamson. Mermaids: Art, 
Symbolism and Mythology. Exeter, University of Exeter Press, 2022. 
References. Acknowledgements. Index. 168 pp. $61.00 (hardback and e-book). 
ISBN 978-1-804-130032. 
 

Examining the genesis and cultural assimilation of symbolic images, 
particularly that of the mermaid, presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. 
This compelling figure is frequently associated with bodies of water in Slavic 
folklore and mythology. The precise origins and terminology of this feminine 
entity still needs to be discovered and has prompted extensive academic inquiry.  

The book, Mermaids: Art, Symbolism, and Mythology by Axel Müller, 
Christopher Halls and Ben Williamson, offers a meticulous and comprehensive 
exploration of the representation of the art, symbolism, and mythology of 
mermaids. This examination traces the origins and evolution of mermaids, 
especially within Western cultures. According to the authors, the mermaid exists 
in many cultures worldwide. She is often depicted as a woman with the tail of a 
fish, playing a significant role in folklore across diverse global regions. The 
authors clarify the mermaid’s characteristics at the beginning of their explanation: 
“a mermaid is a half-human, half sea-fish creature with the upper body (from the 
head to the hip) of a pretty young woman with one or two fish tails instead of 
legs” (3). Aquatic environments are home to various types of mythological 
creatures, such as nymphs and sirens; these are distinguished and described in the 
book, accompanied by corresponding illustrations. A distinct contrast is observed 
between Western and Slavic mythology, in which mermaids are portrayed without 
fish tails, possessing legs, and inhabiting the forest rather than the water. In this 
book, the focus is placed on specific art objects and their accompanying 
narratives, serving as representative examples of ancient and modern civilizations 
in the Middle East and Europe.  

The authors highlight the impact of Christianity, which fundamentally 
altered the appearance, understanding, and role of mythical creatures like 
mermaids. Before the influence of Christianity, mermaids were often linked with 
the sea and its perils. However, Christianity transformed them into symbols of 
temptation, depicting them as beings who entice men and lead them to ruin. The 
book further examines the utilization and propagation of mermaid imagery in 
European cultures and art movements. The historical presence of Christian 
depictions of fish-tailed mermaids in eighth-century manuscripts in Central and 
Western Europe underscores the significance of mermaids in human culture. The 
term “mermaid” appears globally in the folklore and legends of diverse cultures. 
This comprehensive book presents an engaging and accessible examination of 
mermaid folklore, challenging traditional interpretations and exploring mermaids 
within the framework of evolutionary theory. The book invites readers to adopt 
an open-minded approach, fostering a sense of intrigue and intellectual curiosity.  

A significant portion of existing research on mermaids focuses on the 
creature and its role in mythology, folklore, literature, and linguistics. This book 
provides a comprehensive analysis of this topic, while also providing extremely 



  Reviews  80 
 

FOLKLORICA 2024, Vol. XXVIII       

detailed and enriched research, and a separate chapter has been added that 
examines the role of mythical creatures in modern mass culture, including in 
children’s books, games, and films. In this way, this book can be used in courses 
in cultural studies, intercultural communication, language learning and 
translation, as well as interdisciplinary courses like “Mythology and Modernity.” 
Furthermore, the additional aspect of mermaid nature in modern times can be used 
by researchers as they conduct comparative studies of the creatures. In a separate 
chapter, the authors discuss the evolving symbolism of mermaids: while in ancient 
and medieval times they represented seduction and fear of the unknown, later they 
became cherished characters in children’s fairytales and modern entertainment 
media. The chapter expounds on the evolving portrayal of these entities within 
modern mass culture that encompasses children’s literature, games, and films 
alongside conventional domains such as mythology, folklore, literature, and 
linguistics. The book can be viewed as an outline for the origin and development 
of other myths that involve hybrid animal and human mythical creatures. 

The book presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of 
mermaids. It covers their historical origins, scientific significance, and cultural 
impact as viewed through various perspectives, even including evolutionary 
theory. The book caters to a diverse audience of scholars, students, and mythology 
enthusiasts and provides a wealth of insights to deepen their understanding of this 
captivating subject. 

Elka Petrova Petrova 
Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv 
Plodiv, Bulgaria 
elka.petroff@gmail.com