Havfrue (Mermaid)
Havfrue ('sea-woman') is the Danish mermaid: woman's upper body with pearlescent skin, pearl-adorned hair; fish lower body. Dual-natured: some malevolent, causing shipwrecks with hypnotic song; others benevolent, aiding sailors. Inhabits coastal waters, lagoons, hidden coves. Vulnerable to land confinement, dry air, strong currents. Symbolizes sea's beauty and lethality.