This inspired more mermaid-like figures in Greek and Roman cultures ... "Oddly, harpies and the Greek 'Scylla' — hybrid monstrosities with little resemblance to half-fish, half-women mermaids ...

The ballet plies the emotions of two central figures: the Poet, who represents Andersen himself and is aboard a ship for the wedding of Edvard and Harriette, and the Little Mermaid, whom the Poet ...