Benevolent Mermaids

For centuries, stories have been told about half-human, half-fish people. But while mermen are featured in these tales, they often don't hold a candle to these women.

A recurring theme in the fantasy and comedy genres, Benevolent Mermaids are heroines who are mermaids. Some of them can be mortals who become mermaids. Selkies, or seal-women, can fit this category too.

Long ago, mermaids were often depicted as malevolent seductresses who seduced and drowned sailors. But, when Hans Christian Andersen brought The Little Mermaid to life, the image of the mermaid was transformed

Although some Benevolent Mermaids are princesses and damsels in distress, many of them can be tomboys and amazons. They are often characterized by their curiosity and exploratory natures, usually longing to explore the world above the sea.

Benevolent Mermaids are often lovable, sympathetic, feisty, empathetic, playful, fiery, spirited, and tenderhearted. However, they can also be shy, naive, reckless, spoiled, temperamental, selfish, or in some cases, manipulative, despite their keen sense of right and wrong.

Whether they're saving humans from drowning or defending their realms from otherworldly threats, these are the fishy females that many girls and women aspire to be.

Film

 * Madison (Splash)
 * Lily (Magic Island)
 * Miranda
 * Diana, Venus and June (Mermaids)
 * Syrena (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)
 * Lenore the Mermaid (Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid)
 * Princess Mindy (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie)

The Little Mermaid

 * Ariel
 * Melody
 * Gabriella

Anime

 * Ponyo
 * Marina (The Little Mermaid)

TV

 * Rikki Chadwick, Emma Gilbert and Cleo Sertori (H20: Just Add Water)

Cartoons

 * Marina (Rupert's Undersea Adventure)

Literature

 * The Little Mermaid
 * Aquamarine