In 1493, Christopher Columbus recorded a bizarre sighting in his journal: his crew claimed to have seen three mermaids rise out of the sea! But instead of the beautiful creatures of legend, they described them as having "masculine traits" and looking far less attractive than expected.

But Columbus wasn’t alone in these strange sightings. Throughout history, explorers and sailors—like Henry Hudson—have reported encounters with mermaids, which later found their way into maps, medieval art, and even royal portraits. But were they really seeing mythical beings, or were they just mistaking manatees and dugongs for something more magical?

Join me as I explore real historical accounts of mermaid sightings, their connections to Tudor and Renaissance symbolism, and how Queen Elizabeth I herself used mermaid imagery as propaganda.

Mermaids may be mythical, but their influence on history, folklore, and even politics is very real.

Want to know more? Watch now to uncover the truth behind mermaid myths!

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