30 Days of Natural History – Day 11: Sea Folk

Mermaids & Mer…dudes.
You know, the male ones.

J.B. Norman

Sea Folk

In general, “Mermaid” is used to refer to any female Sea Folk. Though, strictly speaking the term applies particularly to young, unmarried females, perhaps influencing the most common depiction of female Sea Folk as young and exceptionally beautiful.

The term “Sea Folk” is used to refer to both Mermaids and their male counterparts — for whom a singular term like “Mermaid” has not been widely adopted, likely due to the fact that Mermaids are much more commonly depicted in literature and the visual arts.

That the Sea Folk actually exist beyond folklore is not disputed, though interactions between them and the land-bound peoples of Realmgard are understandably not particularly common. There are numerous accounts both fanciful and verifiable of the Sea Folk associating with and aiding sailors.

Due to their fish-like lower bodies and their ability to adopt a two-handed fully humanoid form, the Sea Folk are generally understood to be an oceanic variety of Wilderling, though this is not universally accepted. It is not uncommon for beautiful women living in seaside communities to be credited with Sea Folk heritage.

“Mermaid” is a pretty easy word to work with. A male equivalent is notably harder — mostly because the females are significantly better-attested in mythology and folklore (see above).

“Merman” looks fine as a singular, but “Mermen” doesn’t sit right with me, and “Merfolk” is just gross. Hence, “Sea Folk.” Succinct and encompasses both the males and females.

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