Episode 7

Sirenas: Mermaids in Latin America and the Caribbean

Published on: 10th December, 2019

What do mermaids have to do with zombies, monsters and saints? Laura von Holt interviews Persephone Braham about the mermaid mythology of Latin America and the Caribbean. From the evolution of the word sirenas, to mermaid iconography in religious works and art, to the mermaid’s role in colonialism, this in-depth interview covers the vast and multi-faceted role of mermaids in history, religion, literature and art. Learn about the sirenas relationship to Spanish sirens, mistaken manatees, mother-figures, the Virgin Regla, and Afro-Latin water deities, particularly Yemaya and Mami Wata.

Persephone Braham a professor of Latin American literature and culture at the University of Delaware. the author of the book From Amazons to Zombies. Monsters in Latin America and  Song of the Sirenas: Mermaids in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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About the Podcast

The Mermaid Podcast
Real Mermaids, Mermaid History and Mermaid Legends!
Welcome to the only show with real mermaids, legends and history! We interview professional mermaids, experts, authors, filmmakers, and mermaid entrepreneurs. Listen as we explore cool mermaid history and mythology, and learn what the mermaid life is all about. Our host, Laura von Holt is the Fairy Boss Mother of Cinderly, and a mermaid mogul who writes mermaid romance novels, loves The Little Mermaid, and wants to retire as, you guessed it, a real mermaid! Guests include: Weeki Wachee mermaids, author Jason June, Vero Beach Mermaid, The Little Mermaid Live Action cast, Finfolk Productions, the cast of Freeform's Siren TV show and the Merb’ys!. Join our mailing list for extra content and bonuses at mermaidpodcast.com.

About your host

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Laura von Holt

Laura von Holt is an author, entrepreneur, and creative coach. Her innovative personality and brand have been an inspiration to hundreds of artists living in NYC. She is well known for her speaking series “Don’t Quit Your Daydream!” and has been featured at SXSW & Seriesfest.

Laura is a captivating voice for women of all ages, and works as a coach to harness self-expression and goal setting, while battling the patriarchy and other oppressive forces, like self-doubt! Laura is an expert in the arena because she has followed a life of passion. Whether she is writing plays that earn her top marks in the New York Times, or wild romance novels (under the pen name Laura Lovely), she is a beacon to follow – which is easy to do because she leaves a trail of glitter behind her.

Laura is the host of The Mermaid Podcast and You're Doing Great. She is proud to be the world's foremost mermaid expert and your personal cheerleader. She writes romance novels as Laura Lovely.