Long ago, when Warsaw was just a fishing village, the seas and rivers were inhabited by golden-haired mermaids. One day, one of them set out on a journey from the Baltic Sea to the south. She swam along the Vistula River, admiring the landscapes she passed, and when she grew tired, she decided to rest on a sandy riverbank at the foot of what is now the Old Town.
The Mermaid found the area beautiful. “How lovely it is here! Why shouldn’t I live here?” she thought, and so she did. During the day, she would splash in the shallow waters, and at night she would rest in the depths. She enjoyed playing tricks, and the local fishermen were puzzled by someone stirring the water and stealing fish from their nets!
“We must deal with this pest!” they cried. But the Mermaid wasn’t afraid of the fishermen and began to sing a song about the Vistula. Animals listened to her song: beavers poked their noses out of their burrows, and cormorants sat on drifting logs. The fishermen were so moved by her singing that they abandoned their plans and promised not to harm the Mermaid.
However, danger still lurked for the Mermaid. One day, a greedy merchant decided to profit from her beautiful voice by showing her off at fairs. He tricked her, captured her, and imprisoned her in a wooden chest. The Mermaid, used to freedom, was very unhappy. Her cries were heard by the young son of a fisherman, who gathered his friends, and together they freed her, severely punishing the wicked merchant.
The joyous Mermaid, grateful for her newfound freedom, promised the fishermen that she would always protect them and their town.
Over time, the small fishing village grew into a large and beautiful city. Today, the image of the Mermaid, armed with a sword and shield, is featured on the coat of arms of Warsaw.
It is said that from time to time, the Mermaid emerges from the Vistula to gaze upon the ever-changing capital. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to see her? Look around carefully, for you can find Mermaids in many places around Warsaw: on house walls, lanterns, stained glass windows, and signs. There are also Mermaid statues, including in the Old Town Square, by the Vistula River, and on the Markiewicz viaduct near the Bristol Hotel. Find the one that captivates you!