>The mermaid is,traditionally, a being who has the head and torso of a woman, and from the navel downward, the tail of a dolphin or fish.
This is rather an artist's depiction rather than a eye witness account. The various annedotus that came out of the sea to teach the Greeks all walked.
Many of the ancient gods were amphibian including the Makara, Vishnu, Poseidon, Dagon, Nommo, Oannes (Jonah), Ea, and probably Isis since she is depicted with scales.
Fuxi (first emperor of China) and Nuwa are known as amphibians. They are likely Osiris and Isis - establishing civilization in various parts of the world. Here they are looking suitably Masonic: Sun, Moon, Stars and Square and Compasses. There is even a suggestion of the FPoF
So if there were amphibious humanoids that taught humanity, it is quite likely that some of them interbred. There are various stories of mermaids and mermen taking up with land humans.
In Scotland they are called Selkies and there are many stories.
"Some stories from Shetland have selkies luring islanders into the sea at midsummer, the lovelorn humans never returning to dry land."
There certainly are stories of Selkies in Britain and Ireland and the northern island groups in the north sea. In is well known that there were enlightened amphibian beings in the distant past who are believed to have taught humanity in various ways. I would not ridicule these stories, we have much to learn from them about history and the ancestry of the human race.
Distant peaks emerge....clear as day. The hermit's lantern turns to guide the way. Hermit's Way - F. J. Rogers
There were amphibious animals, sometimes associated with the amphibious humanoids.
"HIPPOKAMPOI (Hippocamps) were the fish-tailed horses of the sea. They were depicted as composite creatures with the head and fore-parts of a horse and the serpentine-tail of a fish. ... Hippokampoi were the mounts of Nereid nymphs and sea-gods, and Poseidon drove a chariot drawn by two or four of the creatures.
Other fish-tailed land animals which appear in ancient art include the "Leokampos" (fish-tailed lion),
I have only met one person that has seen an Annedotus (amphibious human) - at a deserted suburban beach. Apparently he looked straight at her then went under the water and she did not see him again.
It occurs to me that the Nagas of Asian traditions could take human form and the word "naga" really means wet.
Thus are some mermaids actually from the Nagas?
"Nagas are snakes that may take human form. They tend to be very curious. According to traditions nāgas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind's disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells—and are generally regarded as guardians of treasure"
I've heard of Naga stone worship in India. Hampi sounds like an interesting, historical place with its multi-level temple with a rich, religious tradition.
> "Nagas are snakes that may take human form. They tend to be very curious. According to traditions nāgas are only malevolent to humans when they have been mistreated. They are susceptible to mankind's disrespectful actions in relation to the environment. They are also associated with waters—rivers, lakes, seas, and wells—and are generally regarded as guardians of treasure"
It's worth remembering that consciousness pervades every kingdom in nature, not just the higher kingdoms.
Distant peaks emerge....clear as day. The hermit's lantern turns to guide the way. Hermit's Way - F. J. Rogers