Greek Folklore and Legends: The Gorgona or Mermaid

Harry's Note: I am pleased to announce collaboration with renowned scholar and author John L. Tomkinson.

Mr. Tomkinson is the author of many books about Greece (and other subjects) and he has agreed to provide for us, some of his insights, on this page, as well as others throughout my sites. 

Please visit http://www.anagnosis.gr for more of his fascinating insights into Greek culture and history.

True lovers of Greece will be well rewarded by obtaining some of his very reasonably priced editions which are only available internationally, direct from the publisher.

His series Greece: Beyond the Guidebooks has been a source of inspiration to me personally. Major credit cards accepted.

Greek Spirits: The Gorgona or Mermaid

The Gorgona is a mermaid of immense size who is encountered by sailors during storms, particularly in the Black Sea and north eastern Aegean at midnight on a Saturday night.

She is the sister of Alexander the Great, and will ask "Does King Alexander live?" The wise sailor answers "He lives and reigns", after which she will calm the seas.

If says that he is dead, she will become furious and sink the ship and its crew.

Illustration copyright Maria Ine.

Read more about the Gorgona in "Haunted Greece: Nymphs, Vampires and other Exotika", by John L. Tomkinson http://www.anagnosis.gr/Haunted_Greece.htm
Read more about other paranormal denizens of Greek folklore. http://www.anagnosis.gr/Exotika.htm