Ceasg

Origin: Scottish folklore

Combination: human + fish

Classification: Fish

Other Names: Maighdean na tuinne, Mermaid, Mirmen, Merewif, Serra, Siren, Syren 

Associations: streams, fishermen, wish granting

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Ceasgs are basically mermaids and thus have the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish, specifically thought to be a salmon. Unlike merfolk, however, ceasgs are always female and according to legend have the power to grant three wishes to whoever captures them.

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In Scottish folklore, some ceasgs are malevolent while others are kind. Marriages sometimes occur between men and ceasgs and their sons are said to grow up to be talented sailors. In certain tales, a malevolent ceasg will swallow a sailor whole and his wife will have to save him. In order to kill a malevolent ceasg, one must usually destroy a magical object in which her soul is kept, often an egg.

Some ceasgs are found in the sea while others are found in rivers or streams. Though ceasgs usually return to the sea or to the river from which they came, they are reputed to aid their human descendants by guiding them through rough storms or leading them to bountiful fishing spots.