In Philippine mythology, Sirena is a creature who lives under the sea. It is the Philippine version of a mermaid.
Characteristics
Sirena are classified as mythological aquatic creature that has a head and torso of a woman and tail of a fish. The male version of a Sirena is called a Sireno. Occasionally, the Sirena is paired with Siyokoy. It is also considered as on of the Bantay Tubig or guardians of water.
A Sirena has also a beautiful and enchanting that can hypnotize men, especially the fishermen. Sometimes, the voice of a Sirena can distract the sailors that often results to shipwrecks. While hiding among the rocks by the shore, a Sirena sings to attract and abduct men. Old folks believed that the Sirena bring their victims under the sea and offer them to their gods. Others claimed that the Sirena takes the life out of drowning men while attempting to save them.
References
- Waterhouse, John William. Mermaid.
- Mga Engkanto: A Bestiary of Filipino Fairies. Philippines: eLf ideas Publication. 2003.