Ataragtis: The First Mermaid

 

Atargatis: The First Mermaid

 

THE FIRST MERMAID IS ALSO CALLED GODDESS OF THE SEA:

In Ancient Roman times, Atargatis was was beautiful and powerful priestess who fell in love with a human shepherd boy. He, being simply mortal, did not survive her divine love-making. She became pregnant with his baby and soon became distraught and remorseful. After the birth of a baby girl, Semiranus on the shore, she threw herself into the ocean to drown. Her beauty was so great that the gods did not let her die, but changed her into a mermaid. Not only did she become a mermaid, but a goddess of the seas. Half woman and half fish. Atargatis was depicted as having long, flowing hair like the water. She is THE FIRST mermaid.

GREAT MOTHER AND GODDESS OF FERTILITY AND WATER:

History - during the Roman Era, she was worshiped at the shrine in Hierapolis and had multiple temples dedicated to her. At her temples were ponds containing her sacred fish that only her priests were allowed to touch. Supposedly the fish knew their own names and would come when called. They even wore jewels and would snuggle up to people like a pet. In her day, worshipers would immerse themselves in her sacred waters to offer praise. 

(Reference: https://everythingmermaid.com/first-mermaid/)