A young fisherman, who catches fish in the sea, discovers a beautiful mermaid trapped in his net. He frees her in exchange for her promise to sing to him whenever he calls. As he listens to her enchanting songs, he becomes infatuated with her and desires to be with her. The mermaid reveals that she cannot love him unless he gives up his human soul. The fisherman, dismissing the value of his soul, seeks to rid himself of it. He consults a priest, who warns him of the soul's importance, but the fisherman is undeterred. He then approaches a witch who offers to help him send his soul away for a price. The witch instructs him to cut away his shadow, which represents his soul, and promises to reveal how to do so. The fisherman follows her instructions, severing his shadow and freeing himself from his soul, which leaves him. Initially, he revels in his newfound freedom, but soon realizes that his soul, now a separate entity, is capable of evil. It tempts him to commit acts of violence and theft, leading him to regret his decision. Despite the soul's manipulations, the fisherman remains steadfast in his love for the mermaid, who he longs to reunite with. After two years of separation, the fisherman’s soul returns, seeking reconciliation. The fisherman, still devoted to the mermaid, refuses to abandon his love. He builds a home by the sea, calling for the mermaid daily, but she does not respond. His soul continues to tempt him with worldly pleasures, but he resists, determined to remain faithful. Eventually, the fisherman learns of the mermaid's death, which devastates him. In his grief, he embraces her lifeless body, declaring that love is more valuable than wisdom or riches. As he mourns, he dies alongside her, and their bodies are buried without ceremony, condemned by the priest for their love. Years later, the priest, while preparing for a holy service, is struck by the beauty of mysterious flowers that have appeared on the altar, leading him to speak of love instead of judgment. This transformation signifies a shift in understanding, as he blesses the sea and all its creatures, acknowledging the value of love over condemnation. The sea folk, however, no longer visit the bay, having moved on, leaving the fisherman and the mermaid's story as a poignant reminder of love's power and sacrifice.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1891 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Fairy Tale