Also called The mermaid sister of Alexander.
The tale
In Greek folk legend, Alexander the Great found the water of immortality, but his sister drank or spilled it and became a mermaid, a gorgona. She rises beside ships and asks the sailors whether King Alexander lives. If they answer that he lives and reigns and rules the world, she calms the sea; if they say he is dead, she raises a storm and sinks the ship.
When they are met
- At sea, especially in a storm
- When sailing the Aegean
Staying on their good side
- None are traditional; the answer to her question was the offering
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- If you enjoy the custom, answer her question as sailors did: He lives and reigns and rules the world.
- Reflect on the story of grief that cannot accept a death.
What their tales teach
- Understanding Greek sea folklore
- Grief and loyalty
Symbols
- fish tail
- flask of immortal water
- ship
The legend grew from the medieval Greek Alexander romances and oral tradition; it is not ancient.
Sources
- Richard Stoneman, Alexander the Great: A Life in Legend (2008)
More Greek folklore
- The Nymphs The spirits of spring, tree and mountain
- Medusa The Gorgon whose gaze turns flesh to stone
- Circe The enchantress of the island of Aeaea
- The Sirens The singers of the deadly shore
- Satyrs The wild revellers of Dionysus
- Kallikantzaroi The goblins of the Twelve Days
- The Neraides Fairy women of springs and hills
- Vrykolakas The restless dead of Greek villages