River Mumma
In Jamaica's rivers lives a mermaid who sits on the rocks combing her hair with a golden comb. If you find her comb, don't keep it.
What was reported
River Mumma is a water spirit of Jamaican folklore, said to live at the source of rivers and in deep pools. She's often described as a beautiful woman, sometimes with a fish's tail, who sits on a rock combing her long hair with a golden comb.
She protects the rivers and the fish in them. Stories say that anyone who steals her comb, or disrespects the river, will suffer misfortune, and she may pull them under the water. She's said to appear especially at midday or at dusk.
Explanations offered
River Mumma combines West African water spirits, such as Mami Wata, with European mermaid tales, and expresses respect for rivers as sources of life. Similar figures appear across the Caribbean.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Jamaica
- Witnesses
- Jamaican folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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