wierd_world on Instagram: "Mermaids are legendary aquatic creatures that have fascinated cultures worldwide for millennia. Here are some key facts about them, primarily from mythology and folklore: ​Definition: Mermaids are typically described as having the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. The masculine version is a merman. ​Etymology: The English word "mermaid" is a compound of "mere" (an Old English word for sea) and "maid" (a girl or young woman). ​Ancient Origins: Tales