A mythical or folkloric being, often originating from coastal regions, that possesses the ability to shapeshift between human and seal forms. The transformation is often linked to possession of a magical item, such as a seal skin cloak. Seal-persons are frequently depicted as beings of great beauty and are associated with the sea, capable of living both on land and underwater. Stories frequently involve romantic relationships between seal-persons and humans, often resulting in tragedy or separation due to the limitations of their dual existence, or violation of the seal-person's trust.
Seal-person meaning with examples
- The fisherman saw the woman with the mournful eyes combing her long, dark hair, then saw the familiar shimmer in the ocean as she tossed her seal skin cloak and transformed. He knew her secret. He now knew the seal-person he had secretly longed for and was now forbidden to engage with.
- The young artist, captivated by legends of the shore, sought inspiration. They envisioned a painting depicting a tragic seal-person separated from her human lover, forever bound to the ocean, reflecting the deep sorrow in her eyes, evoking the melancholic beauty.
- According to the old folklore the seal-person, weary of human affairs, donned their seal skin and slipped into the sea. Only those who held them sacred could find them, and their magical items kept on them, and would have to choose between life on land and the watery depths.
- Legends speak of a lonely seal-person. They are sometimes described as seeking companionship with humans, drawn by a yearning for connection but ultimately destined to return to their ocean home, due to their split existence.