A monopodal sireniform monster with dermatoglyphic and cytogenetic studies.

Such imaginative descriptions will have been influenced by mythical beliefs in sirens and mermaids. The Greek sirens were singing bird-women who lured sailors to their death, as described by Homer (I945 :c. Iooo B.C.) in the Odyssey and interpreted in terms of classical religious mythology by Robert Graves (I955). TIhe mermaid or water-nymph type of siren of nautical tradition originates in the mediaeval folk lore of many countries. Baring-Gould (I875) holds that they derive from early sun or moon deities of the Celtic peoples. There are several forms of mermaid legend but nearly all involve a love relationship between a mermaid or merman and a mortal, and they have inspired much fine art and literature.