Little Mermaid in Prague: The house in Karlova street has an interesting statue
However, they had to go back to the Middle Ages, when the original buildings were built here in the places where the so-called Royal Route leads. “With the construction of the Judith’s Stone Bridge around 1158, today’s Karlova Street becomes the busiest link between the Old Town Square as a market place and Prague Castle as a market place.“Describes Antonín Ederer, a long-time chronicler of Prague 1, in The Street of Prague 1. House, which interests us is according to National Monuments Institute documented in writing as early as 1409. “Already in 1439 it is known as In Syrena“We read from his website.
Of course, there was a reason for the “atypical” designation. And in the form of a stone statue, which is still the decoration of the house, which changed only its name. The place U Syrény has been named after the 18th century At the Stone Mermaid. However, it was not always just stone …
An exotic attraction for passers-by
Elephant man, bearded girl, crab boy. History known for many wonderful creatures, whose differences attracted visitors, for example in circuses or other performances. Similar entertainment took place in Prague in the Middle Ages. “And so she once appeared near Charles Bridge an unprecedented attraction, “ states Magdalena Wagnerová in the book “Prague, the City of Women”.
“Praguers could see for themselves mermaid. It was a girl with a fish tail, immersed in a tub at the waist. The virgin had a lovely face and seductive lures, so no one could be surprised that one day a young man who happened to be walking in love fell in love with her. “
“Five-fingered” fins
In blinded love for the mermaid, the boy went day after day until he began to worry because he did not know how to deal with his love. He, a man living on land, she is a supernatural being from the sea world. Would you believe that?
If not, you would do well. Not a word, but a look gave a look, and even “the girl with the fish tail also liked the boy, so he over time, she revealed that everything was just a scam and she actually has completely normal human legs hidden under the fish’s tail, which are no different from the legs of ordinary girls, “Wagner continues. As a result, nothing prevented the wedding, and “they soon fled together from Prague, where they returned to their old knees as a happy couple for many years.” To commemorate this happy story, a stone statue of a mermaid with two tails was created on the corner facade.
Companion Andersen?
Could he have been inspired by Andersen’s visit to Prague – even though his fairy tale had the exact opposite of our “Prague” story? It was really repeated in Prague. It was first mentioned in 1834, when he published the Little Mermaid for the first time in 1837. Coincidence?
Let’s not be foolish, various mythical stories about mermaids or sirens have been bought since ancient times. Like that Polish Warsaw has a mermaid even in the city emblemwhich has been used since 1622. Mermaids have long fascinated human curiosity and imagination, so who knows where he has gone to look for the inspiration of the legendary Danish storyteller for his tragic story of unrequited love.
The House at the Stone Virgin Mary is located in Karlova Street near Charles Bridge.
Author: David Winter