![]() ![]() Their top halves are human-like, while their bottom halves are fish-like. Merfolk exist in stories from all the world over, and are represented in a multitude of forms. Since the time of early mythology, fantastical creatures of the sea have had a place in the oral traditions of folklore. Andersen used elements of traditional mermaid characteristics, but still created his own personal version that is original in its story. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was knowledgeable on mermaids as they appeared frequently in popular culture during the period in which he lived. Specifically this presentation focuses on Hans Christian Andersen’s short story, The Mermaid (1837), and Disney’s film, The Little Mermaid (1989), to demonstrate how evolving time and an ever-changing societal moral code have defined these two distinct interpretations of mermaids. This exhibit examines by example the way in which their roles and moral representation in pop culture have morphed through the ages. ![]() For centuries they have been interpreted in many different mediums (including folklore and film) and portrayed in different societal roles. Mermaids have been a part of popular culture dating back to their date of origin in 1000 BC in Assyria. “The Mermaid.” The Mermaid and Other Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. ![]() © Copyright 2011, Alison Haberstroh, Victoria MacdonaldĪndersen, Hans Christian. ![]()
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