Karin Mennen created the Minsen Seewief sculpture and monument in 1992, to preserve and commemorate a cautionary legend from the 16th century in northern Germany.
According to legend a mermaid was trapped by fishermen. She pleaded to be released, but they refused. Eventually she escaped, and then in revenge she destroyed the area – the town of Minsen and the larger Wangerland area – with severe storms and floods, in the years 1164, 1362, 1717 and 1962.
This is no neglected tale. The present-day Wangerland coat of arms shows the mermaid with a finger raised in warning. And of course this also now acts as a tourist draw to the Minsen area.
You will find more information and photos on the Minsen Mermaid page.