20 countries that still believe in mermaids

While the existence of mermaids is purely mythical, belief in these enchanting creatures has persisted in various cultures throughout history. Here are 20 countries where mermaid legends continue to captivate the imagination:

1.Philippines

Capital: Manila

Mermaid: Manginginom The Philippines, a nation of islands, is rich in folklore and mythology. The Manginginom are mermaid-like creatures inhabiting seas and rivers, often possessing enchanting voices and magical powers.

2.Indonesia

Capital: Jakarta

Mermaid: Nyai Roro Kidul Indonesia's diverse cultures include beliefs in Nyai Roro Kidul, a powerful sea goddess often depicted as a mermaid. She is associated with the southern coast of Java and is believed to influence weather and possess humans.

3. Scotland

Capital: Edinburgh

Mermaid: Selkie Scottish folklore features Selkies, mermaid-like creatures who can transform into humans and marry mortal men. They are often associated with the Isle of Man and are known for their beauty and mysterious nature.

4. Ireland

Capital: Dublin

Mermaid: Merrow Irish mythology includes Merrow, enchanting sea creatures with magical powers. They are often associated with the wild beauty of the Irish coast and are believed to have the ability to control the weather and predict the future.

5.Japan

Capital: Tokyo

Mermaid: Ningyo Japanese folklore features Ningyo, mermaid-like creatures often depicted as grotesque with monkey-like faces and scaly bodies. Some legends associate them with bad luck, while others view them as benevolent beings granting wishes.

6.Brazil

Capital: Brasília

Mermaid: Iara Brazilian folklore includes Iara, a beautiful mermaid-like figure associated with rivers and lakes. She is known for her seductive charm and can lure men into the water. Iara is also associated with fertility and abundance.

7.Greece

Capital: Athens

Mermaid: Siren Greek mythology features Sirens, originally bird-like creatures that later evolved into mermaid-like beings. They were known for their enchanting singing voices that lured sailors to their doom.

8.Iceland

Capital: Reykjavík

Mermaid: Hafgufa Icelandic folklore includes Hafgufa, a sea spirit often depicted as a beautiful woman with a fish tail. They are associated with the sea and are believed to have the power to control the waves and storms.

9.Denmark

Capital: Copenhagen

Mermaid: Lille Havfrue Denmark is famous for its iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. This statue is based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale about a mermaid who sacrifices her voice to become human.

10.Norway

Capital: Oslo

Mermaid: Havfrue Norwegian folklore features Havfrue, mermaid-like creatures associated with the sea and often depicted as beautiful and mysterious. They are believed to have the power to control the waves and storms.

11.Sweden

Capital: Stockholm

Mermaid: Sjöjungfru Swedish folklore includes Sjöjungfru, mermaid-like creatures associated with lakes and rivers. They are often depicted as beautiful and wise, and are believed to have the power to heal and protect.

12.Finland

Capital: Helsinki

Mermaid: Merenneito Finnish folklore features Merenneito, mermaid-like creatures associated with the sea and lakes. They are often depicted as beautiful and mysterious, and are sometimes associated with danger and misfortune.

13.Russia

Capital: Moscow

Mermaid: Rusalka Russian folklore features Rusalka, mermaid-like creatures associated with water bodies. They can be both benevolent and malevolent, and are often associated with death and rebirth.

14.Ukraine

Capital: Kyiv

Mermaid: Mavka Ukrainian folklore features Mavka, mermaid-like creatures associated with forests and water bodies. They are often depicted as beautiful but dangerous, and can lure people to their doom.

15.Poland

Capital: Warsaw

Mermaid: Syrenka Polish folklore features Syrenka, mermaid-like creatures often depicted as beautiful and wise. They are associated with the city of Warsaw and are considered symbols of the city.

16.Czech Republic

Capital: Prague

Mermaid: Rusalka Czech folklore features Rusalka, mermaid-like creatures associated with water bodies. They are often depicted as beautiful but dangerous, and can lure people to their doom.

17.Slovakia

Capital: Bratislava

Mermaid: Rusalka Slovakian folklore features Rusalka, similar to the Czech and Russian versions. They are associated with water bodies and can be both benevolent and malevolent.

18.Croatia

Capital: Zagreb

Mermaid: Vila Croatian folklore features Vila, mythical beings often associated with water and forests. They can take the form of beautiful women, including mermaid-like creatures.

19.Serbia

Capital: Belgrade

Mermaid: Vila Serbian folklore features Vila, similar to the Croatian version. They are associated with water and forests and can take the form of beautiful women, including mermaid-like creatures.

20.Bulgaria

Capital: Sofia

Mermaid: Samodivka Bulgarian folklore features Samodivka, mermaid-like creatures associated with water bodies. They are often depicted as beautiful but dangerous, and can lure people to their doom.