A half-fish, half-monkey “mermaid mummy” that once instilled fear in people’s hearts has finally had its secrets revealed. A U.S. sailor brought the mummified remains of the “Fiji Mermaid” from Japan to the Clark County Historical Society in Springfield, Ohio, in 1906. With its wrinkled face, peculiar teeth, oversized claws, fish-like lower body, and grayish fur, this creature has sent chills down the spines of museum visitors for decades.
The Fiji Mermaid: A Creature of Half Fish, Half Monkey, and Half Reptile
Recently, experts conducted X-rays and CT scans on the mummified “Fiji Mermaid” to unlock the mysteries surrounding this peculiar creature.
Dr. Joseph Cress, an X-ray specialist at Northern Kentucky University, stated, “It appears that this creature was composed of at least three different species.” According to Dr. Joseph, the “Fiji Mermaid” possesses the head and torso of a monkey, while its hands resemble those of an amphibian resembling a crocodile or lizard. Finally, the tail of the “Fiji Mermaid” belongs to a fish, although the specific fish species remains unidentified.
Dr. Joseph claims that the creation of the “Fiji Mermaid” resembles the fictional monster Frankenstein from the renowned novel by British author Mary Shelley.
The Fiji Mermaid: A Mythical Hoax Revealed
While the investigation into the “Fiji Mermaid” continues, Natalie Fritz from the historical society has uncovered a startling truth—it is nothing more than an elaborate hoax. Originating in Japan around 1810, the Fiji Mermaid was actually a traditional art form crafted by skilled fishermen.
Legends surrounding mermaids in Japan speak of their ability to bestow immortality upon those who consume their flesh. In Asakuchi, a shrine revered what was believed to be a Fiji Mermaid. However, further examination revealed that it was constructed using fabric, paper, and animal fur, embellished with fish scales and animal hair. Despite its origin as a fabricated creation, the allure of mermaids persists in capturing the imagination of people in the United States and beyond.
As the truth behind the Fiji Mermaid unfolds, the new CT scans conducted by Dr. Cress are expected to provide valuable insights. The collected data will be shared with experts at the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium, in the hopes of deciphering which creatures, if any, were ingeniously combined to bring this mythical creation to life.
The Fiji Mermaid, once perceived as a mysterious and terrifying creature, now stands as a testament to human creativity and the enduring fascination with mythical beings.
The unveiling of the “Fiji Mermaid” has shed light on the bizarre creature that once sparked terror and fascination. Through scientific examination, it has been revealed that the mermaid was an amalgamation of different species, carefully crafted to deceive and captivate audiences. While the Fiji Mermaid may not be a genuine mythological creature, its story serves as a testament to the enduring allure of mysterious and fantastical beings.