Mermaids

The Mermaids are mythical sea-dwelling beings who appear at the coronation of the four Pevensie children, singing in honor of the new Kings and Queens of Narnia and providing a hauntingly beautiful musical accompaniment to the ceremony.

Identity and Nature

The Mermaids are inhabitants of the seas surrounding Narnia, closely associated with the coastal castle of Cair Paravel. They are described as swimming close to the castle steps, their voices carrying through the open Eastern door. Their presence at the coronation underscores the connection between the land of Narnia and its maritime realms, and their song is noted as being distinct from the music within the castle—stranger, sweeter, and more piercing.

Role in the Coronation

During the solemn ceremony in the Great Hall of Cair Paravel, after Aslan crowns Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy and leads them to the four thrones, the Mermaids and Mermen are heard singing from the sea. Their voices come through the wide-open Eastern door, which opens directly onto the sea, joining the celebration of the new rulers. The music of the sea people answers the revelry inside the castle, creating a harmonious blend of land and sea.

Thematic Significance

The Mermaids' song at the coronation symbolizes the unity of Narnia's diverse realms under the new sovereigns. Their presence affirms that the Pevensies' rule extends not only over the forests and fields but also over the waters. The contrast between the music inside the castle and the song of the sea people highlights the magical and otherworldly nature of Narnia, where even the sea joins in the rejoicing. The Mermaids, like the Mermen, represent the natural and supernatural harmony restored after the defeat of the White Witch.