MERMAID BOOKS
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FEATURED BOOK
How to Draw Fairies and Mermaids (Usborne Activities)
by Fiona Watt with
Jan McCafferty and Howard Allman (illustrators)
Usborne Books
(2005 - Ages 4-8)
Description
This innovative guide is packed with easy ideas for drawing fairies and mermaids. Simple, step-by-step instructions show how to create fantastical fairylands and undersea worlds. Ages 5-7. |
(To retell any of the stories below, obtain permission from the copyright holder if the material
is not in the public domain)
• Book of Mermaids. A by Ruth Manning-Sanders,
New York: E. P. Dutton, 1968.
Comb,
the Flute and the Spinning Wheel
Four Abdallahs
Geese and the Golden Chain
Groach of the Isle of Lok
Kingdom of Ocean
Lake Maiden
Long John and the Mermaid
Lost Prince
Magic Lake
Magical Tune
Margrette
Merman Rosmer
Rake Up!
Sven and Lilli
Three Mermaids
Untidy Mermaid
• Disney Princess Little Golden Book Library, The (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White)
by Golden Books. (2004 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
THE FAIREST BOX set of them all! The enchanting Disney Princesses are together at last in this beautiful Little Golden Books boxed set. From Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White to Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle, this enchanting boxed set brings the most-beloved Disney Princesses together for fans and collectors alike.
• Disney CD The Lion King, the Little Mermaid, Toy Story, Aladdin: Disney Cd Storybook (4-in-1 Disney Audio CD Storybooks)
by Inc. Penton Overseas. Disney Audio CD Storybook. (2004 - Ages 4-8)
Book and CD Description from a reader
This is a wonderful book that your kids will love to read and also hear. The CD that comes with the book has the full text, read and animated beautifully - the way the kids love to hear. The pictures and the quality of the pages are marvelous. The book is not too big nor too small. I suppose this is the right size for a kid's book, with 128 pages. The previous Disney Storybook collection books (e.g., Disney's Princess Storybook Collection: Love and Friendship Stories (306 pages); Disney's Storybook Collection (320 pages); Disney's Princess Treasury 576 pages)) are too big in size for a kid. The price tag for this book+CD is amazingly reasonable.
• Dora Saves Mermaid Kingdom! (Dora the Explorer (8x8))
by Artful Doodlers (author) and Michael Teitelbaum (adapter). (2007 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
A mean octopus has dumped garbage all over Mermaid Kingdom! The only way to save the mermaids is to find the magic crown! Come along with everyone's favorite explorer, Dora, as she crosses the Seashell Bridge, goes through Pirate Island, and then goes to the Silly Sea. Will Dora be able to save her ocean friends?
• Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist (Emily Windsnap)
by Liz Kessler. (2008 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
When Emily Windsnap discovers an old diamond ring during a class hunt for trinkets, how is she supposed to know that the ring is half the key to unlocking an ancient curse by Neptune himself? Now, with the ring stuck firmly on her hand, Emily finds herself under a new curse: in just a few days, she’ll cease to be half-human and half-mermaid and must say good-bye to one of her parents forever. Can she possibly find the other missing ring that will break all the curses? Is there anyone who can help her — before it’s too late?
• Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep (Emily Windsnap)
by Liz Kessler with Sarah Gibb (illus). (2007 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
Picture an island set in a glittering blue sea, sparkling with white sand and palm trees, a secret place where humans and merfolk live together. To Emily Windsnap — half mermaid, half human — her new home is perfect. That is, until Emily ruins everything by waking a legendary sea monster known as the kraken from its hundred-year sleep. . . . An enchanting tale with a fabulous monster, engaging characters, and plenty of mermaid magic, this second fantasy about Emily Windsnap is filled with charm and warmth.
• Escape from the Carnivale: A Never Land Book
by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry (authors) with Greg Call (illus). (2006 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
From School Library Journal
Grade 3–6—The incomparable Jim Dale narrates Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's latest book (Disney Editions, 2006) in the Never Land series. Little Scallop, a princess of the Mollusk tribe, disobeys her father and decides to go exploring beyond the immediate seashore with her best friends, Aqua and Surf. The two mermaids take Little Scallop on a pearl diving expedition that leads them to the mysterious and dangerous part of Mollusk Island. Little Scallop, always jealous of her older brothers' adventures, gets a bit more than she bargained for when Surf is captured by a ship full of greedy men who have a traveling freak show. Horrible storms, Captain Hook, bizarre sea monsters, and frightening creatures are encountered in order to free Surf. Many familiar characters from Peter Pan make appearances. Dale gives a brilliant performance, using different voices and accents to differentiate the characters, and a well-paced narration to build suspense in this fantasy filled with humor.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY
From AudioFile
Too bad Peter is off on his own adventure and misses the excitement at Never Land. Pirates! Lost Boys! Ships with strange creatures! The talented Jim Dale narrates this tale with liveliness and imparts it with an island flavor. Princess Little Scallop must find a way to rescue her friend the mermaid, who has been captured. She enlists the help of the Lost Boys, whom Dale infuses with accents that hail from across the globe. Even more is afoot on Mollusk Island when the ship is spotted by Captain Hook and his accomplice, Black Stash. Dale's pacing is perfect as he leads the listener deeper into this fanciful story. J.K.R.
• Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand
by Gail Carson Levine with David Christiana (illus). (2007 - Ages 9-12
Product Description
Tinker Bell and the other fairies of Neverland are off on a new adventure. They must procure a wand from the Great Wanded fairies in order to save their village from a flood. But wands can lead one astray. Rosalyn LandorÕs pacing keeps this exciting adventure moving along. The fairiesÕ voices are distinct and easy to follow as the story switches locales and characters. LandorÕs cadence is soothing yet upbeat enough to keep listeners engaged. This listening experience continues where FAIRY DUST AND THE QUEST FOR THE EGG left off. Those interested in both the lives of fairies and the magic of Neverland will enjoy listening to this series. J.K.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine.
• Golden Axe and Other Folk Tales of Compassion and Greed, The 
by Ruth Stotter. (1998)
Description
The Golden Axe contains fifty-six versions of a folktale collected in thirty countries and three American Indian nations. Together with puppet and play scripts, charts, a classroom game, story notes, and bibliographies of additional scripts and children's books based on this tale, the Golden Axe is designed for teachers and older children interested in how a story adapts to different world views.
For fast orders, you may contact Ruth Stotter directly at
r.stotter@comcast.net .
• How To Draw Fairies And Mermaids (Usborne Activities) by Fiona Watt with Jan McCafferty and Howard Allman (illustrators). (2005 - Ages 4-8)
From a reader
I got this for my 6 year old daughter who loves fairies and mermaids. The art projects are awesome, many different ways to create, each project can take around an hour to do. Some of the projects need parental guidance for her age, delicate tissue paper, cutting tin foil, etc. but the outcome is always amazing and she loves to display her work, which really turns out to look professional. Could this book lead to a career in illustrating childrens book, very probable!
• Tail of Emily Windsnap, The 
by Liz Kessler with Sarah Gibb (illus). (2006 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery - about her own identity, the mysterious father she's never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water's surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident - an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.
From AudioFile
This charming tale concerns a young lady with a tail. Emily Windsnap seems to be a typical English seventh-grader. However, when she dives into the water for her swim class, she finds that her legs feel funny but return to normal when she gets out. She later goes into the ocean and discovers she is a mermaid. This begins a journey of discovery as she meets her mer-man father and learns that her mother, who is a normal person, wishes to be reunited with him. This delightful story is given an energetic reading by Finty Williams. Her sprightly voice has a pixie quality that is a delight to hear. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine.
• Tales From Pixie Hollow 2 (4 Copy Box Set) (Prilla and the Butterfly Lie, Masterpiece for Bess, Fira and the Full Moon, Rani in the Mermaid Lagoon)
by Various with Disney Storybook Artists (illustrators) (2007 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
FOLLOW THE SECOND star on your right and fly straight on till morning and you'll find a place you know from your dreams - Never Land. Past the pirate ships and Peter Pan's secret hideaway is Pixie Hollow. Pixie Hollow is the Never Fairies' kingdom, and each fairy who lives there has a special talent. Rani makes magic with water. Fira's glow can light up the entire Home Tree. Bess brings color to everyone's life with her paintings. Prilla keeps children believing in fairies.
The second collection of four enchanting Disney chapter books is available in time for the holidays, with all four boxed together in a lovely set and packaged with an exclusive Fairies poster!
• Toads and Diamonds
by Charlotte S. Huck and Anita Lobel (illus), adapted from the original by Charles Perrault. (1996 - Ages 4-8)
Description
Renée lives with her selfish stepmother and stepsister. She does all the housework and the chores. Her only escape from their demands is her daily walk to the spring for water. One day an old woman sitting on the bench near the spring asks for a glass of water, and Renée graciously brings her one. In thanks the old womanpresents her with a gift both strange and wonderful. When the stepmother sees Renée's gift, she immediately orders her daughter, Francine, to go to the spring and return with as rich a gift. But the gift Francine receives is not what either of them had expected....
The kind-and-unkind-sisters theme has long been a favorite of folklorists. In this fresh and charming version, Charlotte Huck's polished retelling and Anita Lobel's magnificent, humorous illustrations add up to a beautiful, timeless, and satisfying picture book.
• Treasures from Europe: Stories and Classroom Activities
, (edited by Flora Joy). (2003)
Description
This fabulous collection of nine European folktales, presented by well-known storytellers with European roots, makes a perfect teaching tool to help educators, librarians, and storytellers acquaint students with different European countries and cultures. These stories, along with an abundance of related classroom activities, will allow students to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of European values, customs, and cultural elements. Each story is accompanied by background information about the contributor, discussion questions, and numerous related follow-up activities that are easily adaptable to different levels and learning environments. There are also reproducible pages for student use, as well as information about the country and its people, a brief historical background, a glossary where applicable, and resources for further study. Folktales include:
DENMARK: A Treasure for Anders (Roger Petersen)
IRELAND: The Three Reeds (Maggi Peirce)
GERMANY: The Lorelei (Wendy Welch)
BULGARIA: Clever Peter and the Sultan (Priscilla Howe)
ROMANIA: Pacala (Sam Yada Cannarozzi)
ICELAND: Gilitrutt (Jenni Woodroffe)
MACEDONIA: Nasreddin Odjah's Clothes (Steven Kardaleff)
RUSSIA: Leaving for America (Roslyn Bresnick-Perry)
SCOTLAND: The Coal Basket (Wendy Welch) A valuable teaching tool and timesaver, this book is an excellent vehicle for cultural exploration in classrooms or with listening audiences.
MERMAID CDs and AUDIO CASSETTES
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The Mermaid's Shoes and Other Enchanted Tales
Recorded by Jenni Cargill, Australia
The Mermaid's Shoes is parent-friendly, hard wearing, retains a child's interest for years, shortens road trips, stimulates imagination and is easy to post. The Mermaid's Shoes has been designed for children aged three years and up.
It has no scary stories, so is suitable for listening to before going to bed, and for very young and sensitive kids. It is beautifully presented in new cardboard format, making it much more hardwearing and eco-friendly than the traditional plastic jewel case. It has sixty minutes worth of stories and songs and a four-page booklet holds lyrics and story information.
http://www.jennicargill.com.au/audiobook_children.html#Mermaids
or contact Jenni directly:
http://www.jennicargill.com.au/
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• Disney's Karaoke Series: Little Mermaid
(2006)
Description
Good karaoke version of the songs plus added bonuses. Expected more songs from the Little Mermaid but I guess including other songs from her Disney friends made up for it.
• Disney's The Little Mermaid (2008 Original Broadway Cast)
(2008)
Review by a customer
To everyone considering buying the Original Cast Album of Disney's newest Broadway musical, DO NOT HESITATE. The New York critics have labeled the show as being "too stylized" and "lacking in appeal" and even "more parade than theatre." To be perfectly honest, the critics these days favor small, low budget shows like SPRING AWAKENING and XANADU that are not of the caliber of the classic Broadway musical; true, these shows are very good, but are more in the Off-Broadway vein. So, it is not surprising that when a piece of Broadway magic hits the stage the critics label it as too spectacular or too sachrine. THE LIITLE MERMAID, despite New York critics' uneccessary harpooing of it, has been hailed by TIME as "the most ravishing show (I have) ever seen on a Broadway stage." Well, at least the folks at TIME get it, even if the cynical New York critics don't. The songs from the original film are all here, and in the case of some of them, mainly the serenading "Kiss the Girl," are actually beeter onstage than on film. The new songs, with music by the film's original composer Alan Menken, and new comer lyricist Glenn Slater are far from what the critics have called "syrupy;" the new material is actually very much up to par with the originals.
• Disney's the Little Mermaid (Disney's Read Along Collection)
(2008 - Ages 4-8)
Description
Disney's The Little Mermaid Read-Along Collection features stories of Ariel and her friends under the sea. The product contains three beautifully illustrated storybooks. This timeless Read-Along provides word for word narration of the stories encouraging independent reading.
• Little Mermaid
(2006)
Description
Before Broadway was Disneyfied and Times Square became a mall, the best Broadway musicals were being written for Disney animated features by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman. Their songs for The Little Mermaid created the mold from which their even more popular work (Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin) would be cast. Almost every tune in Mermaid has its (slightly inferior) counterpart in Beauty, for example. But there's no topping the Oscar-winning calypso show-stopper, "Under the Sea"--in which a Caribbean crab convinces you that "Darlin' it's better/Down where it's wetter." Other songs, just as delightful, are even more impressive in the context of the movie. The rapturous "Kiss the Girl" accompanies a scene in which, despite the whispered urgings of creatures all around, the romantic hero does not act on the title's advice! That's the kind of abstract dramatic (OK, comedic) conceit you'd expect from Harold Pinter rather than Disney. And the gruesomely hilarious "Les Poissons" gives us a fisheye view of a kitchen where the seafood chef is a sort of French Ed Gein--a sadistic murderer who brutally tortures and chops up his victims, then eats them! Who says Disney never did black comedy? "...I stuff you with bread/It won't hurt, 'cause you're dead/And you're certainly lucky you are...." Lyricist Ashman may not have been Cole Porter, but he was the next best thing. -- Jim Emerson
• Princess Favorites
(2002)
Description
This collection of Disney favorites is fit for a queen, with songs from Aladdin, Mulan, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Cinderella II.
MERMAID TOYS, GAMES, COSTUMES and GIFTS
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Make A Mermaid Doll Kit
Description
Hey all you Mermaid lovers ! You'll really flip your tail for this great kit. Easy-to-make mermaid doll Give her a name and make it official with her own birth certificate No pins or needles required Soft doll is approx. 8.5" H For ages 8 and up A great gift idea !
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• Ariel Costume: Tiara - Child's One Size Fits All
Description
Isn't it grand? Ariel tiara features blue, purple and white beads with a purple feather and an Ariel medallion. The perfect headpiece for the princess of the sea. 5".
• Ariel Deluxe Jelly Shoes (Child)
Description
Our Disney Princess purple and green slip-ons with 2" heels have accents such as green sequins, clear beads, purple maribou, and a silver Ariel cameo. The perfect accessory for our Ariel, The Little Mermaid Costume. and great for dress-up too!. Ages 3+ Shoe measurement: One size fits most children. (7.5" long from toe to heel; 2.25" wide inside ball of foot)
• Ariel Mermaid Standard Child, Small (4-6X) Costume
from Costume Supercenter.
Description
Halloween Costume - All this little mermaid wants is to see what lies beyond her aquatic kingdom. This children?s story costume features a dress with mermaid like tail.
• Ariel Wig
Description
Be the beauty from under the sea! Ariel wig features long flowing red hair. One size fits most children.
• CHILD Cute Little Mermaid Costume for Girls
Description
This is a Great Mermaid! Includes Sequin and Lurex mermaid dress and Headband with Foam Seashells! (Packaging may say "includes hairclips" - This is just old packaging, you will receive the Seashell Headband as pictured here).
• Child's Toddler Mermaid Halloween Costume (2-4T)
Description
Makes a great Halloween costume
Costume comes with sequin and lurex character dress
Also includes four matching seashell hair clips
Fits most toddler's 2-4T
• Disney Ariel Salon Accessories
from Disney.
Description
Glamorous grooming gear for little underwater princesses everywhere!
Combing, curling, crimping fun! Pearly shell pretend manicures
Accessories are exciting on their own, or a great addition to Ariel’s Ocean Salon
When used with Ariel’s Ocean Salon, these pieces magically make Ariel speak new phrases
Recommended for ages 3 yrs. and up
Batteries Included: 2 AA Batteries
• Disneys Little Mermaid Ariel Deluxe Wand for Costume
Description
Ariel Wand Costume Accessories are the best way to complete that look!! The Little Mermaid Ariel Wand will finish off that Disney Princess Halloween costume perfectly.
• Disney Princess LITTLE MERMAID - ViewMaster 3 Reel Set
from View Master.
Description
The romantic adventure above and below the sea, as Ariel, the mermaid princess, falls in love with Eric, a human prince.
Relive the excitement and enjoy the fun with 21 3D pictures
Reels fit all View-Master viewers
Disney's animated 3D images
View-Master 3D products open up an exciting world of adventure. You'll feel like you're there!
• Disney Princess Ariel Little Mermaid Magical Talking Salon & Vanity
from Disney.
Description
Your little princess won't have to hold her breath to have fun in this Underwater Beauty Salon. It's bubbling over with wonderful activities. Using voice-recognition technology, your child can actually talk to Ariel and hear her respond. Little girls will be delighted when they see Ariel's face "magically" appear in the mirror.
Ariel's Beauty Salon is loaded with beauty and styling accessories for countless hours of pretend play. Adult assembly required. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (not included). Chair measures 9.25" tall; salon measures 27" x 15.5" x 38.25".
• Disney Princess Little Mermaid Purse Set
from Disney.
Description
The set comes with everything Ariel needs for her day underwater cell phone and key chain make real beeping sounds.
• Disney Princess Ariel Little Mermaid Wig
Description
Recommended for ages 3 and up. Wig is fashioned with bright red long hair just like Ariel from the Little Mermaid.
• Disney Princess Shimmering Lights Ariel Doll
from Mattel.
Description
The beautiful Shimmering Lights? Ariel doll has fabric fins and a sparkly clear tail, filled with water and glitter. With a simple press of a button on the back of the doll, color-changing lights illuminate the water and glitter to create a sparkling effect. Ariel is known throughout the undersea world for her beautiful voice, and Shimmering Lights? Ariel doll says phrases and sounds. Great fantasy fun in the water and out!
• Disney The Little Mermaid Figurine Set
from Disney.
Description
7 characters from The Little Mermaid.
Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, Flounder, Sebastian & Ursula, the Sea Witch.
• Mermaid Adult Party Outfit Costume
Description
People have always been fascinated with mermaids and now they will be fascinated with you. This Mermaid Costume features a fitted gown with shimmer stretch corset top, sequin skirt with ruffled organza fin plus sequin starfish headpiece. A great Halloween costume!
• Polly Pocket Sea Chic Boutique
from Mattel.
Description
An undersea world of adventure awaits! Polly is dressed in a shimmering mermaid tail -- or mix it up with her cute beach fashions. Great for travel, bath and pool time. Comes in a zippered vinyl carry bag. Includes tons of sea friends, swim and snorkeling accessories, sea shells and even a treasure chest.
• V Tech - V.Smile Smartridge Disney's The Little Mermaid
from VTech.
Description
Take an exciting journey with Ariel, the beautiful and curious mermaid, and help make her dream come true! As kids explore the enchanting world under the sea, they engage in challenging games and activities that teach key school skills like vocabulary, counting, problem solving and more. Eight clever learning adventures take Ariel through her secret grotto, into a sunken boat and on a mission to save her trapped friends and her father King Triton! On these exciting adventures and others, kids must master lessons in object identification, matching, music composition, note patterns, color coordination, vocabulary and problem solving. Four shorter arcade-style games, focused on spelling, counting, matching and sea animal names, keep kids on target with their learning. Providing hours of thrilling game play, this V. Smile smartridge works with all V. Smile Learning Systems.
MERMAID JEWELRY
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• Danish Mermaid Charm by Rembrandt Charms
Description
Please note that product images are enlarged to show detail. The actual item is 0.519 - (approx. 1/2 in.) inches long and 0.259 - (approx. 1/4 in.) inches wide. The Danish Mermaid Charm by Rembrandt Charms is hand-polished with a High Polish finish. The charm shape is 3D. Every Rembrandt charm comes with a heavy-duty jump ring that can be twisted open and easily attached by you. All Rembrandt Charms are guaranteed for life.
• Diamond-Cut Mermaid Crystal Topper
Description
These pewter figurines are enhanced with a crystal that brings life to the pieces with its play on colors and light.
• 14K Gold Walt Disney Childrens Little Mermaid Pearl Charm
Description
This stunning 14 karat gold pendant features a Little Mermaid design decorated with a single white pearl. The charm is made with a tapered band on top that allows anyone to easily slip it from chain to bracelet. This item arrives in a Mickey Mouse character box for cute and easy storage! This item usually ships 2-3 days after order is received.
• Mermaid Brunette Travel Jewelry Case
Description
The Mermaid Brunette Travel Jewelry Case is a wonderful and classy way to transport your gems. The case is constructed of satin brushed steel measuring 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 x 3/4 (in inches) with lining inside to protect your delicate jewels. Great for a get away weekend or your sports bag. Ahlers Designs has over 150 different emblem designs to fit your personality.
• Mermaid's Tears. According to Patricia Larzelier, the original glass was most commonly glass telephone insulators, apothecary bottles, 7-Up bottles, Noxema and Vicks jars, Milk of Magnesia bottles, Coca-Cola bottles, beer bottles and old canning jars. Over many years, the tides and sand have worn the broken glass down to perfect, smooth surfaces.
seaglass@whidbey.com
http://www.themermaidstears.com/
• Moveable Sterling Silver Sea Nymph Mermaid Pendant on Black Cord Necklace
Description
This Detailed Mermaid Pendant has a Moveable Tail and is Wearing a Crystal Bikini.
Crystal Bikini
1.75" Tall and 1" Wide
19" Black Silk Cord Included
Has a 3x5mm Bail Opening
Weighs Approximately 7.2 grams
Marked .925
• Sterling Silver Antiqued Mermaid on Anchor Pendant
Description
Sterling Silver Antiqued Mermaid on Anchor Pendant - 2.8 Grams in Sterling Silver - - FREE gift-ready jewelry box
• Sterling Silver Antiqued Mermaid Pendant
Description
Sterling Silver Antiqued Mermaid Pendant - 2.5 Grams in Sterling Silver - - FREE gift-ready jewelry box
• Sterling Silver Mermaid Pendant
Description
Crafted of fine sterling silver
High polished finish
Features: Sterling silver necklace that features a textured mermaid pendant
Includes an 18-inch Cable Chain
Measures: 30.7mm H x 14.6mm W x 4.1mm thick
• Sterling Silver Wrapped Sea Nymph Mermaid Ring (Size 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15)
Description
A Maiden of the Sea Looks as Though She is Wrapped Around Your Finger and Resting Cozily on Her Own Tail.
Weighs Approximately 6 grams
7/8" Wide Across the Top
Marked .925
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• Mermaid with Starfish Pin from the Artazia Collection #672 GP OP
Description
Each piece is truly like a miniature artwork, the intricate design is hand painted and set within a very light stainless steel frame. Austrian crystals, beads and a variety of other materials are delicately assembled and set in artists resin resulting in a beautifully finished and durable piece. Truly a work of art, the pin is exceptionally well made and is produced in limited editions.
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ONLINE LINKS ABOUT MERMAIDS
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• Cambodian Folktale
Hanuman and Sovann Macha (The Monkey and The Mermaid)
http://tinyurl.com/6ao9dv
• Cornish Folk Tales: The Bold Mermaid
http://www.beautiful-mermaid-art.com/cornish-folk-tales.html
• Fisherlad, The and the Mermaid's Ring (Scotland)
http://www.storiestogrowby.com/stories/fisherlad_scotland.html
• Legends and Folktales / Leyendas & Cuentos Populares: The Mermaid
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mermaid+folktales&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
• Little Mermaid, The - from Encyclopedia Mythica
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/folklore/folktales/articles/little_mermaid.html
• Little Mermaid, The - from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid
• Mermaid art
http://www.artpromote.com/mermaid.shtml
• Mermaid of Laane, The (Finland)
http://www.beautiful-mermaid-art.com/finnish-folk-tales.html
• Mermaid Art Gallery
http://www.daviddelamare.com/mermaids.html
• Mermaid of Zennor, The (Cornwall) from Legends & Folk Tales
http://legends-folktales.blogspot.com/2007/08/village-of-zennor-lies-upon-windward.html
• Mermaid Parade
http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml
• Mermaid Posters and Prints
http://www.art.com/asp/display-asp/_/id--7575/Mermaids.htm
• Mermaid Wife, The from D.L. Ashliman (8 stories listed)
The Mermaid Wife (Shetland Islands, The Silkie Wife (Shetland and Orkney Islands), Herman Perk and the Seal (Shetland Islands), The Sealskin (Iceland), Touched by Iron (Wales), Tom Moore and the Seal (Ireland), The Lady of Gollerus (Ireland), and Links to related sites.
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type4080.html
• Mermaids - a wonderful site for stories, information and links .
http://www.MERMAIDZZ.COM/thelittlemermaidcover
• Mysterious Britain & Ireland: Mysteries, Legends & the Paranormal
http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/folklore/mermaids.html
SOS — SEARCHING OUT STORIES ABOUT MERMAIDS
INPUT FROM STORYTELLERS, TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS
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1) I shared The Mermaid's Tears at
the NSN. My story is inspired by the jewelry artist on Whidbey
Island.
I want to tell you a story about a mermaid. Sailors have sighted
mermaids since recorded time. Did you know Christopher Columbus
wrote in his diary that he saw mermaids? Did you know that Henry
Hudson's ship log reports a mermaid sighting? But mermaid sightings
are not common in Washington State and British Columbia. We have
sasquatchs in the Cascade Mountains and Ogopogo in Lake Okanagan
in British Columbia---but no mermaids. Unless you count the ones
on the Starbuck signs. Except for once--when a mermaid fell in
love with a captain and followed his tall-masted schooner into
British Columbia. Some say the ship was the Discovery and the
Captain was Captain Cook, who had sailed from the South Sea islands
to find the Northwest Passage. Some say the Captain was a Spaniard
who sailed north to trade for otter skins. One dark night, a storm
ripped the sails and cracked the masts of the schooner. The captain
sought safety in Friendly Cove of Vancouver Island. The mermaid
was swimming alongside. The ship heeled in the violent wind, the
captain lost his hold on the wheel and almost tumbled into the
sea. In an instant, the mermaid rose up and calmed the wind and
tamed the waves. She saved the life of a man she loved. But, Poseidon,
the ruler of the sea, heard that the mermaid calmed a storm. Poseidon
was a petulant and peevish god; creating earthquakes and storms
were his birthright. He was indignant that the mermaid had claimed
his privilege. He told her,"You are banished to the bottom
of the sea. Never surface again." To this day, the mermaid
sobs in the depths of the sea--never to feel the sunshine, never
to swim beside the ships. And her tears wash up on the beaches
of Puget Sound as beach glass. I have gathered her tears on the
beach in front on my house. I have brought them to share with
you. Take a tear back to your homes in the deserts and the prairies
and the mountains and remember the mermaid and her true love.
[Hand out a bowl of "tears" so that each person can
take one.]
2) Another version of
The Mermaid's Tears:
The Gift of the Mermaid, Celtic,
Brittany, retold by Ruth Stotter as written in The Golden Axe and Other Folk Tales of Compassion and Greed, 1998.
Bones of this version: A long time
ago, mermaids would rise from the waves on the Breton shores to
comb their long hair on moonlit nights. Sometimes they would came
ashore in daylight and spread out on the sand their beautiful
white linens covered with precious treasures---pearl necklaces,
rings of all kinds, and jewels. If anyone approached, they would
wrap up their treasures and quickly dive into the sea. One day
two young girls were walking along the beach gathering shells.
They were surprised and excited to see a mermaid so busy playing
with her treasure that she did not notice them. They tiptoed toward
her. When they were right in front of her, she looked up, but
she did not grab her treasure and plunge into the sea. Instead
she gave each of them a gift in a small white linen cloth, making
them promise not to open it until they got home. She then waved
and dove into the sea. One of the girls could not wait and opened
her linen right away. She found nothing but dirt. The other girl
waited until she got home and found her linen full of sparkling
jewels. [You can then open a linen cloth and reveal your own choice
of "treasures."]
For fast orders, you may contact Ruth Stotter directly at r.stotter@comcast.net .
3) Glass floats are classified based on several attributes. Including;
shape, size and color. Let's examine a few examples, from the
most common to the least common. If you would like to learn more,
there are a few websites on the subject.
Color. Glass floats come in many different colors, ranging from
clear to dark frosted colors. Asian floats commonly were in the
blue color range. Don't discount anything, though. On any given
day a manufacturer may have been feeling a bit moody and could
have mixed up something different.
Shapes. Round. Spherical glass floats are the most common. They
may not be a perfectly shaped round ball, but basically round.
Rolling Pin. Rolling pin floats or sometimes refered to as rollers
are also fairly common. Quite a few of these are found on the
Oregon Coast. They are smaller in size, thus many have survived
their lonely voyage on the sea. The larger size rolling pin type
floats usually do not survive. If you do find a larger rolling
pin float, cherish it. It's a keeper. Some are as small as 4" inches long.
Nets. Some floats are found with nets. This is the way they all
start out. All round floats had nets, but as they get battered
by the sea and weather, the nets deteriorate and are lost forever.
During the '50s and '60s there were more oppurtunities to find
them with nets. Yet they are still, but rarely, found with nets.
Typically Rolling Pin Style floats did not have nets, instead
were simply attached with a rope around the protruding knob. This
of course was an advantage over the round floats, with ropes tied
to the knobs on the ends of the floats.
4) The Lorelei Legend
Query: "Have you ever heard of a myth or legend about a sea godess called Lora Lei? I am not sure of the spelling.
Response: Not die (dye), as in death, but die (dee) as in the German "the".
Die Lorelei is a poem by Heinrich Heine which I can still recite in German. The following translations I got online. I know the story, but am not up to translating it poetically.
I don't know what it may signify
That I am so sad;
There's a tale from ancient times
That I can't get out of my mind.
The air is cool and the twilight is falling
and the Rhine is flowing quietly by;
the top of the mountain is glittering
in the evening sun.
The loveliest maiden is sitting
Up there, wondrous to tell.
Her golden jewelry sparkles
as she combs her golden hair
She combs it with a golden comb
and sings a song as she does,
A song with a peculiar,
powerful melody.
It seizes upon the boatman in his small boat
With unrestrained woe;
He does not look below to the rocky shoals,
He only looks up at the heights.
If I'm not mistaken, the waters
Finally swallowed up fisher and boat;
And with her singing
The Lorelei did this.
Another translation:
I cannot determine the meaning
Of sorrow that fills my breast:
A fable of old, through it streaming,
Allows my mind no rest.
The air is cool in the gloaming
And gently flows the Rhine.
The crest of the mountain is gleaming
In fading rays of sunshine.
The loveliest maiden is sitting
Up there, so wondrously fair;
Her golden jewelry is glist'ning;
She combs her golden hair.
She combs with a gilded comb, preening,
And sings a song, passing time.
It has a most wondrous, appealing
And pow'rful melodic rhyme.
The boatman aboard his small skiff, -
Enraptured with a wild ache,
Has no eye for the jagged cliff, -
His thoughts on the heights fear forsake.
I think that the waves will devour
Both boat and man, by and by,
And that, with her dulcet-voiced power
Was done by the Loreley.
5) Query: Does anyone have the reference, the bones, or the complete story about two girls who see a mermaid? I don't know what they did but the good girl was given gifts and the bad girl was given either nothing or bad things. Marilyn K. 4/9/06
•••••
Response: I tell a version of the story from Brittany. I cannot find my source for the tale - I think it got zapped when my computer got a virus about a month ago.
Bare bones: Two girls walking along a beach, see a mermaid combing her hair and combing the gifts of the sea out onto seaweed. Girls come close but don't ant to scare her. The three talk, and before slipping back into sea, mermaid gives each girl a piece of seaweed, which looks like fine linen, with some of the gifts of the sea in each one. Admonishes each girl not to look at gifts until home. First girl stops halfway home and looks at her gifts - seaweed linen has turned back to seaweed and only sand inside. Other girl waits until home, opens the linen and finds gems, gold coins, true gifts that had been caught in mermaid's hair. Moral: listening and doing as you are told, is always positive.
Melanie P. 4/9/06
•••••
Response: This sounds like a version of the French Folktale, Toads and Diamonds by Charlotte S. Huck and Anita Lobel (illus), adapted from the original by Charles Perrault. However, there is no mermaid in the tale, but an old woman who bestows the gifts. Here is a version: SurLaLune Fairy Tales: The Annotated Diamonds and Toads
http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/diamondstoads/index.html
• I think I found it. The story is actually called The Three Mermaids. It is an Italian folktale. You can find it in A Book of Mermaids
by Ruth Manning Sanders on page 25. There are indeed two young ladies, step sisters. One is kind, the other mean. The good one is named Ceclia and the other Grannizia.
In the Italian version the daughter who is mean is punished by the mermaids, not for being curious, but for being greedy, cruel, unkind and selfish. She is a very unpleasant soul. Think of the wicked stepsisters in Cinderella multiplied and you get the picture. The ill treatment she receives from the Mermaids was well deserved.
Karen C. 4/9/06
•••••
Response: Check out Ruth Stotter's Book, The Golden Axe and Other Folk Tales of Compassion and Greed. It's in there, called The Gift of the Mermaid, p. 63. It's credited, no surprise, as Celtic, Brittany.
Gwyn C. 4/9/06
•••••
Response: Cricket Magazine published a version of this story during the late 80's, I think. Anyway, in their version, which they stated was a folktale from the coast of Brittany, the girls rescue the "Lady of the Sea" from drowning. The Lady awakens, rewards the girls with small cloths, and the story is the same from there on out. I always use the story as a lesson in obedience, giving the girls a bit of conversation with one complaining about their new teacher who is always "telling them what to do." The girl who ends up with the treasure (I always have a hankie in my pocket to show/hold up a chadelier crystal for all to see) ends the story with saying, "Some days it just pays to obey."
Mel D. 4/10/06
•••••
Response: In the version I know, the greedy sister is punished because she is told not to look at the gift until she reaches home, as the gift is for her whole family. When she opens it before reaching home, wanting it all for herself, it is turned to sand. Easier to support than just "do as you are told".
A teller I know also tosses out fake pearls to the audience at the end of the story. I don't do this, as it is impossible for all to get one, but I thought it an interesting idea.
Cathryn F. 4/11/06
6) The Lorelei is one
of the stories included in the Libraries Unlimited resource book, Treasures from Europe: Stories and Classroom Activities, (edited by Flora Joy).
Wendy Welch
Find more about Wendy and Jack at
http://www.scottishsongandstory.co.uk
7) The Mermaid
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think that they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.
— T.S. Eliot, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
(This
web page updated 12/10/04; 4/11/06; 6/25/08; 11/3/08; 11/21/08)
