Most people picture a mermaid when they hear the word ‘siren’. In recent art and literature sirens have been largely depicted as beautiful women or men with scales and a tail.
Mention of finned sirens can be found through the centuries on every continent from Japan to Nova Scotia. They are seductive, sensual creatures, luring admirers – and in some cases lovers – with their enchanting song.
Starbucks even adopted a mermaid with a split or dual tails for their logo, an image centuries old, fashioned on an old Norse woodcut.
Originally, in Greek Mythology, sirens were depicted with the lower body of a bird, and artists through the centuries have explored different variations of air and water borne creatures.
Regardless, sirens tend to represent a sensuality laced with danger many associate with a beautiful woman.
You may deduct from this post that I am still working on my ‘tale’ of historical erotic fantasy featuring an unknowing siren who goes on a metaphorical and physical journey of discovery with the delectable adventurer who becomes her husband.
Yes, I was sucked in by the exotic locations, the history and the steamy sex scenes (in ships, on window ledges, on work benches, on beaches, in pools…) The story has grown much larger than the novella I had originally planned. At this stage there are also two short stories, and another two books (at least) in the series. That’s how excited I am about the fantasy dimension behind the ‘real’ historical world that I’ve created.
So, look out for the ‘Nymphs of London’. The first novel ‘Siren Song’ will be calling out to you soon…
Sources:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-siren-on-your-starbucks-cup-was-born-in-7thcentury-italy
https://www.audubon.org/news/sirens-greek-myth-were-bird-women-not-mermaids
Josie Baker EXPOSED 