A treasury of tales about merfolk and water spirits from different cultures, ranging from Scottish selkies to Hindu water-serpents to Chilean sea fairies. All tales are accompanied by commentary that explores their undercurrents, showing us how public perceptions of this popular mythical hybrid--at once a human and a fish--illuminate issues of gender, spirituality, ecology, and sexuality. -- adapted from back cover.

Water deities and sirens from olden times -- Mermaids and other merbeings in Europe -- Literary tales -- Merfolk and water spirits across cultures.