Could this be the evidence proving the existence of a real-life “mermaid”?
Discovery of a Creature Resembling a “Mermaid”
Between 1736 and 1741, a terrifying creature resembling a human was reportedly found in the Pacific Ocean. Strangely, this creature had a deformed face with sharp teeth, but instead of human legs, it possessed a fish tail in its lower half.
Even more bizarre, the mummified “mermaid” was said to grant immortality to anyone who consumed its flesh, and scientists are currently investigating the true nature of this being.
Discovered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Shikoku Island, Japan, between 1736 and 1741, the mummified remains are now housed in a temple in Asakuchi City.
This strange creature, with a grimacing face, sharp teeth, two arms, and even hair and eyebrows – has a remarkably human-like shape – except for its lower half, which is a fish tail.
Researchers from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts in Japan have conducted CT scans on the mummy in hopes of uncovering the mysteries surrounding this creature.
Researcher Hiroshi Kinoshita from the Okayama Folk Culture Association stated that this mummy may hold religious significance.
Scientists conducting a CT scan on the strange creature to uncover its true nature
Mr. Kinoshita remarked: “Japanese mermaids have legends about immortality. It is said that if someone eats the flesh of a mermaid, they will never die. A legend in many regions of Japan tells of a woman who accidentally ate the flesh of a mermaid and lived for 800 years.“
This creature is currently worshipped in a Japanese temple.
“The legend of ‘Yao-Bikuni’ is also preserved near the temple where the mermaid mummy was found. I have heard that some people who believe in the legend have attempted to eat the scales of this mummy.”
According to Japanese legend, mermaids grant immortality to anyone who eats their flesh.
Mr. Kinoshita further shared: “There is also a legend that a mermaid predicted an infectious disease.”
Is This the Mermaid from Legend?
A letter dated 1903 was found stored with the mummy, recounting the origin of this mysterious creature.
“A mermaid was caught in a fishing net off the coast of Kochi Prefecture. The fishermen who caught it did not realize it was a mermaid; they brought it to Osaka Prefecture and sold it as a strange fish. Coincidentally, my ancestors bought it and kept it as a family treasure,” the letter stated.
It is unclear how or when the mummy arrived at the Enjuin Temple in Asakuchi Prefecture.
The temple keeper mentioned that the remains had been displayed in a glass case for about 40 years and are now kept in a fireproof safe.
Scientist Hiroshi Kinoshita – a member of the research team.
In a statement to the press, he said: “We worship it, hoping that it will help alleviate the Corona pandemic, even just a little.”
However, researcher Kinoshita has a different perspective on this creature.
He believes it was “manufactured” at some point during the Edo period – a historical era in Japan that lasted from 1603 to 1867.
“Of course, I don’t think it is a real mermaid. I believe this creature was produced for export to Europe during the Edo period. The legend of mermaids still exists in Europe, China, Japan, and even worldwide. For this reason, I can imagine that at that time, people were also very interested in it,” Kinoshita shared.
He continued: “I think this creature is made from living animals, and we want to identify them through CT scanning or DNA testing. It looks like a fish with scales in the lower half but resembles a primate with hands and a face in the upper half.”
Scientists are conducting research on the remains and will announce the results by the end of this year.
