[split] (another Mermaid thread)

[ReneZ]

If a mermaid is defined as being a fish from the waist on down, then the *human* feet and serpent-like tail are very problematic. She might represent some version of a mythological Melusine, but she has arms, and no wings, so not tending to draconian.

Also note the red cheeks and lips, particularly in the first illustration (Post #81) and pretty much throughout.

There are many mermaid illustrations where the mermaid has both legs and a tail. Of course, it could still be another legendary creature. Definitely no wings though.

What intrigues me most are the eyes on the fish tail, because this is one of the odd things about the Voynich MS 'mermaid'.
In the older interpretation of 'woman eaten by fish' these would of course be the fish eyes. For a mermaid they are out of place, except of course in this new parallel.

This MS has many interesting things, for example use of Greek shorthand, and circular text with sequences of characters. It is not clear to me whether these sequences are understood by the experts or not.

Edit: just to avoid any misunderstanding: I do not see this MS in any more or less direct relationship with the Voynich MS. Rather as an interesting parallel and an example of unexplored sources.