Marinha

• 
  Português
• 
  Norsk

Marine Lexicon — Marine mammals — Mythical creatures — Activities related to marine mammals — Toponomy — Zooarchaeology — Historical sources — Cite Marine Lexicon

marinha • A creature that can change from seal to human form by shedding its skin. Usually related to the presence of seals on the shores and beaches. It is a Scottish or Celtic mythological entity, and has a counterpart in Norwegian, Faroese and Icelandic folk mythology. In the Portuguese folklore and mythology is related to marine or aquatic-women, enchanted dames, many times called 'Nereida' or 'Oceânide'; it is very common for the Portuguese archipelagos, namely for the Azores Islands. It is a hybrid creature that while in the form of a woman and married to a farmer or fisherman brings him joy, fertility and fortune. Similar to Nereida, Selkie and Selkvinne.

Counterparts

• Nereida (Portugal)
• Selkie (Scotland)
• Selkvinne; Kobbejente (Norway)

References

Freitas, A.M. 2005. B.I. da Sereia. Coleção Bilhetes de Identidade, 13. Lisboa, Apenas Livros, Lda.