Haraldskaer Mermaid’s Face: True Form Revealed

In 2018, a photograph of an alleged mermaid skeleton went viral on social media, capturing the imagination of people around the world. The image showed a creature with a hump-like upper body and a fish-like tail, sparking widespread speculation and debate about the existence of mermaids. Claims suggested that the skeleton was discovered by a farmer in Haraldskaer, Denmark, and was on display at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. However, upon closer inspection, the truth behind this intriguing tale is much more in flux.

The alleged “Haraldskaer Mermaid” was described as a young woman, approximately 18 years old, who measured 1.8 metres from head to tail. She was said to have long, thick hair, and her skull was described as having Asian features. The creature was classified as belonging to the extinct species *Hydroymphus Pesci*. The skeleton was reported to be almost complete, with all teeth preserved except for the short, sharp teeth. In addition, a bag containing shark teeth, a shark’s tail, seashells and a flower was found behind the skeleton.

Rude’s inspiration came from a real historical find: the “Haraldskaer Woman,” a preserved body of a young woman, discovered in the Haraldskaer Marsh in 1835 and dating back to around 490 BC. By combining elements of this historical discovery with the myth of mermaids, Rude created a visually striking and thought-provoking work of art.

Although these details may seem captivating, they are entirely made up. Danish zoologist and cryptologist Lars Thomas has revealed that the Haraldskaer mermaid was, in fact, an elaborate hoax. The skeleton was a work of art created by Danish artist Mille Rude for a special exhibition held at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen in 2012.

Haraldskaer’s mermaid tale highlights the appeal of mermaid mythology, particularly in Western culture. Christiaan Adersep’s famous fairy tale about a mermaid has cemented the image of mermaids in the popular imagination, and mermaid statues can be found in many coastal cities around the world. Copenhagen, the city where the mermaid hoax originated, is home to a famous Adersep mermaid statue, which is a popular tourist attraction.

While the discovery of a real mermaid would undoubtedly be one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in history, the Haraldskaer mermaid serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and human imagination. The hoax highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need to verify information before accepting it as fact. As we delve deeper into exploring real-world mysteries, it is essential to distinguish between scientific evidence and factual speculation.