Finding a Mermaid to Marry? Folkloric Perspectives on Bad Luck and Strategies for Overcoming Curses

Abstract Marrying a mermaid, or a similar sea creature, has been a recurrent theme in mythologies and folklore across various cultures. These unions are often depicted as carrying both symbolic meanings and potential misfortune. This article explores the cultural, spiritual, and ritualistic methods presented in different folklore traditions for overcoming bad luck following a marriage with a mermaid. By examining tales from European, Greek, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean traditions, we examine the ways humans can mitigate or lift the curse associated with such unions. The findings suggest that overcoming misfortune involves respecting supernatural boundaries, undergoing spiritual rituals, demonstrating loyalty, and sometimes making great sacrifices. Keywords: Mythology, Mermaids, Curse