The Mermaid of Warsaw
The mermaid, the Syrenka, stands with raised sword and shield in the heart of Warsaw. She is the arms of the city, and how she came to be there is told in an old tale along the banks of the Vistula.
1 The mermaid in the river
Long ago a mermaid swam up the Vistula until she reached a small fishing settlement where Warsaw would later rise. The place pleased her. She stayed, hidden among the reeds and sandbanks.
In the evenings she sang songs so beautiful that the fishermen paused to listen. Sometimes she quietly took the fish from their nets or undid their knots, but no one truly held it against her, so enchanting was her voice.
2 Caught and freed
A rich merchant heard of the wondrous creature and saw money in it. He hired men to catch and confine her, to show her later for a fee. One night they fell upon her and locked her in a barn.
Her mournful singing reached a young fisherman. He crept near, opened the door and set her free. Grateful, the mermaid returned to the river, but she did not forget the kindness of the poor fishermen.
3 The eternal watch
Out of gratitude the Syrenka swore to protect the people of this place forever. That is why she bears a sword and a shield, ready to defend the city against every danger.
When the fishing settlement grew into Warsaw, the citizens took the armed mermaid into their arms. Still she watches, cast in bronze, over the square and over the river that once carried her here.
Vie FelineKattengedrag en vachtverzorging
Heimweer.be — Europees Erfgoed Bewaard
