Blog Issue #3
In Irish lore, a merrow is a mythical sea creature akin to a mermaid or merman. Legends claim that merrows need an enchanted cap to move between the depths of the ocean and the dry land.
The term “mere” in Old English signifies a sea or lake, essentially referring to a vast expanse of water, while “maid” commonly refers to a young woman.
Physical traits
Merrow-Maiden/Mermaid
The merrow-maiden bears a striking resemblance to the traditional image of a mermaid. From the waist up, she is an enchanting woman, while from the waist down, she has a fish-like appearance adorned with scales of a greenish hue. Her hair is a shade of green, and she enjoys grooming it with a comb. Her fingers are slightly webbed, with a delicate, white film akin to the membrane between an egg and its shell.
Image: Catharina Steel, NightCafé AI, edited with Photoshop
Merrow-men/Mermen
Just like their female counterparts, mermen are characterized by their verdant hair and emerald teeth. Their eyes resemble those of a pig, and they sport a crimson nose. It’s also said they have a tail between their scaly limbs, and possess short, fin-like arms. Mermen are described as unattractive, which is in stark contrast to their female counterparts.
Characteristics
Merrow-Maiden/Mermaid
Depending on the region, female merrows are portrayed as either modest, loving, gentle, and generous, or as dangerous seductresses who entice men to watery graves.
Legends tell of these beings developing bonds with humans and even entering into matrimony with them. Yet, their innate instincts compel them to return to the ocean, and the husband, in an attempt to keep her, must hide her enchanted cap to prevent her departure.
Merrow-men/Mermen
Stories about mermen are less common, but it’s said that these sea creatures capture the spirits of sailors who have drowned, imprisoning them in underwater cages. Mermen are believed to seek out humans on land.
Image: Catharina Steel, NightCafé AI
Cohuleen Druith
The cohuleen druith is believed to be an enchanted hat or cap (I believe it’s similar to that of a swimmers cap) that grants merrows the ability to plunge into the sea and dwell in the ocean’s depths. Should they misplace this cap, they will lose their capability to survive underwater.
Image: Catharina Steel, NightCafé AI, edited with Photoshop
An Irish legend offers a glimpse into the appearance of this mystical cap, describing a supernatural wife adorned with a shimmering salmon-skin cap that glistened under the moon’s glow. It is said to be more radiant and exquisite than a salmon’s skin, and notably large. Some stories suggest this cap was actually a tail that could be detached to reveal human legs.
Music
Melodious tunes of the merrow/mermaid can be detected emanating from the ocean’s profoundest abysses, yet these sounds drift effortlessly across the surface. Whether on the shore or atop the waves, merrows dance to the enchanting music.
History
Tales from both ancient and later medieval Irish literature remain relatively obscure. Some narratives describe suire, akin to merrow, frolicking around vessels as they guide the forebears of the Irish across the Caspian Sea. Other legends tell of mermaids who either tore apart or consumed would-be conquerors of Ireland, thus safeguarding its people. Most stories recount men being allured into the ocean’s depths.
Selkies
Selkies are legendary beings from Scottish and Irish folklore, known for their ability to transform from seals into humans by shedding their skins. Sometimes referred to as the “seal people” or “sea people,” these fascinating creatures are akin to the Celtic version of mermaids. They possess the remarkable power to discard their seal hide and take on a human appearance, making them a captivating element of Celtic mythology.
Physical traits
In their human guise, they are frequently portrayed as alluring and enticing, enchanting and elegant, with mesmerizing voices that captivate listeners. They are occasionally depicted with webbed fingers.
Characteristics
Selkies are thought to possess the ability to influence the weather and the sea, and are often linked with tempests and shipwrecks.
It is believed they can only shift from seal to human form on particular evenings, typically during Midsummer’s Eve or under a full moon. After shedding their seal skin, they must recover it to revert to their seal identity.
Selkies are said to have a dual personality: they can be amicable and supportive to humans, but also perilous and vindictive
The Typical Stories
Image: Catharina Steel, NightCafé AI, edited with Photoshop
Many stories feature selkies engaging in romantic entanglements with humans, occasionally leading to offspring. They can be manipulated or deceived into marrying humans, usually by someone who purloins and conceals their seal skin, thus barring their return to the ocean. Such unions are said to be unhappy, as the selkie continually yearns for the sea, hoping to recover their skin and return to the ocean.
Other Cultures
There are similar mythological creatures in other cultures such as Faroese, Icelandic, and Manx.
Coming Up Next
Next month I will be researching Dwarves.
To read my previous post about brownies and similar mythical creatures, click here.
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