The Mystery of Mermaids

(Photo by Toni Frissell, 1947)

Since mermaid books are popular, I did some eye-splashing research to find that generally, mermaids are seen as meanies who tantalize sailors to their soggy deaths. Hans Christian Andersen gave the mermaids a break by implying that they simply forgot humans can't breathe underwater. (Yeah, and that's why humans have LEGS!)
Actually, many early artistic depictions of mermaids show long, slender legs instead of the fishy tail so common today. (Who's to say? Have YOU seen one? The Israeli town of Kiryat Yam has offered one million dollars to anyone who proves the existence of mermaids off the coast of their town. That ought to pay for your plane ticket!)
But while you're mermaid hunting, answer this: Do you think fish smells? Chinese mythology has mermaids born with purple tails that smell of happiness. Yet if something bad happens to them, they cry tears of pearls and their tails turn red and smell of sadness. So fisherman throw nets and lay traps hoping to catch a mermaid so they can sniff her tail.
SAY WHAT?
Some cultures portray smart, crafty mermaids, others have dull-minded mermaids who even forget they have little mer-children swimming around the sea. Some mermaids make beautiful cloth, others sit around as lively as seaweed. From evil to good to flirty to mischievous to innocent, naive, or honorable, I have lots of mermaid traits to pick from. Or I may make up my own, as long as there's water involved. (Watch for a mermaid story soon!)
So what is your take on merfolk? Do you have nightmares about them or want to be one? Are they friend or foe in your world?