Mermaids—half-human, half-aquatic beings—drift through legends from nearly every culture on Earth. They’re alluring, mysterious, and sometimes terrifying. But here’s the big question: Are mermaids real? In this deep-dive guide, you’ll explore mythological roots, historical sightings, and spiritual meanings of mermaids, mermen, and water spirits across time and continents. What Is a Mermaid? At first glance, the answer seems simple—a woman with the tail of a fish, long flowing hair, and a hypnotic voice. Pop culture paints her as seductive and ocean-bound, surfacing just enough to sing haunting melodies. But in global lore? Mermaids are far more complex. Some are divine. Others are monstrous. There are also mermen, aquatic djinn, and shapeshifting seal-folk. Not every mer-creature is beautiful—or kind. Some drown sailors. Others offer forbidden wisdom. Are Mermaids Real? Historical Sightings Say Maybe Christopher Columbus (1493) While near Haiti, Columbus wrote of seeing “three mermaids rising high from the sea… though not as beautiful as folklore