A mythical being, typically depicted as a humanoid creature with the ability to shapeshift between human and seal forms. Found in folklore, especially from coastal regions, seal-men are often associated with the sea, possessing incredible swimming abilities, a connection to marine life, and sometimes, magical powers. Stories frequently portray them as tragic figures torn between their human and seal identities, occasionally involved in romances with humans or impacting human lives, offering both assistance and warnings regarding the ocean. These beings are often described as handsome in their human form and sleek and powerful in their seal form. The term 'seal-man' generally applies to male figures.
Seal-man meaning with examples
- Legends told of a seal-man who, in his human guise, wooed a farmer's daughter. He would leave to go back to the sea only to return again as her lover.
- Fishermen would often speak in whispers of the seal-man, warning against harming seals, fearing the creature's wrath and magic.
- The old sea shanties often made mention of a seal-man, his sad songs a melody carried on the sea breeze as his tears became the waves.
- The coastal village held a yearly festival celebrating the seal-man, a celebration that honored the ocean and its creatures, along with all who live near it.
- A lonely seal-man sought companionship, turning to the shore for a glimpse of a human life that felt within his reach, though forever out of grasp.