Explanations of origin

I remember from class that we discussed that some mermaids that we read in stories may not seem like mermaids at first glance but are such as the story of Odysseus where he was attacked by sirens which flew but held a figuire closer to that of a mermaid.In this case the story of kaliya and the serpent are similar to that in which while the serpent isnt the mermaid itself but what the outcome of the story allows for the creation of mermaid.I had also found it interesting how throughout the story they focused primarly on the use of fire as a description.I also had found it interesting as the use of the word fire which primarly is used as a method of cleasing and rebirth in many other stories.In the story when they talk about the serpent they describe the flailing of the snake when confronted by krsna as “they burst at once into flame smitten by the wind and carried by water burning by that snakes evil fiery poison”. I felt that this quote was important because during that time I believe that there may have been fires in the area and they were being carried across the area by the wind in which they were only put out by the raining season.After the snake was defeated the snakes wife had begged for mercy,but what I had found interesting was the description of the wifes.In the story they described the snakes wifes as “adorned with fetching necklaces,who were beautiful with jangling necklaces” which I felt is a description of a mermaid by their sexuality and how they were described attractive which is usually a main characteristic of a mermaid.It was also interesting as they had adorned the mermaids with man made objects like necklaces and jewlery Which I only know of one thing to use jewelry which is us humans.I believe that the reason why they had to make clear that they were adorned with jewelry is in order for them to be closer to humans and make us the reader have pity not only for the snake but the wives as well.The end of the story was also interesting because the snake spoke and stated that he “was defeated and asked for mercy” which was given due to him not doing anything on purpose and was then cast to the ocean from the river with his ancestors and wives.I found this interesting as well for the reason that when we think of the location of mermaids we think oceans or by the beach which is where they were cast to after being defeated.It then further deepens the story by leaving the story open ended by stating that they were not killed but the snake,wives,and children presumably still alive continuing their lineage within the ocean.

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