Folklore about the mermaid-like sirena is popular throughout the Philippine archipelago. All sirena appear as women with fish tails instead of legs. However, there are varying accounts about the appearance of the sirena. Some say they have seaweed-like hair, a pair of small holes in place of a nose, dark and fish-like eyes, a fish-like mouth filled with small pointed teeth, webbed hands, and a tail closer to those of aquatic mammals. This version of the sirena can’t talk and only make sounds similar to those of whales or dolphins. The more popular version are those with the upper body of a beautiful woman and a long tail like that of a fish complete with scales. These are said to be a hermaphrodites, capable of having an offspring with humans. They are notorious for luring people to the sea with their sweet voices and singing. Their hair is said to be an effective bait in catching fish.
It seems the sirena’s being malevolent or not varies individually and sometimes depends on how they perceive humans.
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It seems the sirena’s being malevolent or not varies individually and sometimes depends on how they perceive humans.
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