# Event Details - **Event Name**: The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 15 Jul, 2026 at 06:30 pm – Wed, 15 Jul, 2026 at 09:30 pm - **Event Description**: Dive beneath the surface of mermaid lore, tracing their long histories and what they may reveal about wider society. Followed by Q&A.About this EventWhy do mermaids continue to enchant us? From ancient sea-spirits to Disney princesses, the mermaid has drifted through centuries of myth, art, and pop culture - shifting shape with our fears and desires. In this talk, we dive beneath the surface of the familiar tale to explore the deeper history of mermaid lore. We’ll begin with Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and its Disney transformations, then swim back through time to meet her many watery sisters: the sirens of antiquity, medieval Melusine, selkies, rusalki, Mami Wata, and the curious “mermaids” sailors swore they saw at sea.Join Professor Diane Purkiss in unraveling what mermaids reveal about how societies imagine women, bodies, and outsiders. Together we’ll explore the mermaid and her relationship to the way women are defined and ponder the opposition between the mermaid and the sailor. Lastly, we’ll look at 21st-century reimaginings - from colonial critique to queer and transgender symbolism - that show why the mermaid’s spell endures.Doors open at 6:30pm, Last Entry at 7pm, Talk starts at 7:30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!Follow us on IG @seedtalksSpeaker Bio:Diane Purkiss is Professor of English at the University of Oxford, and a fellow of Keble College. She has published works on witchcraft, fairies, and also on the English Civil War, the occasion of England's biggest witchhunt. She has been in more than a dozen television documentaries; she even has an IMDb entry and a Wikipedia page.She has spoken to general audiences at numerous literary festivals and to many local history societies.This talk is 16+Testimonials from our guests⭐ Truly riveting talks, always enjoy these - a great way to spend an evening with some pals. Already looking forward to the next one. - Alexander P⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S⭐ Been to a few talks and all have been super interesting. An enjoyable evening to go to either alone or with friends. The talks make for stimulating conversation. Highly recommend! - Daisy JFor accessibility requirements, please contact the venue with any accessibility requirements or visit https://www.glee.co.uk/accessibility/ before booking. Spaces may be limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis. You can call: 0121 693 2248 (Mon-Sun 12-6pm) or email info@glee.co.uk with your access requirements and the show you wish to see in order to make a booking. Disabled Access is available by lift.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R62Jjr0tuFgAgenda?: 06:30 PMDoors Open?: 07:00 PMLast Entry?: 07:30 PMTalk Starts - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/birmingham/the-history-of-mermaids-sea-spirits-and-women/100001988898495941 - **Event Categories**: art, festivals, literary-art - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 3 hours - Location: The Glee Club Birmingham - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 14.5, max: 33, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Birmingham - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: The Glee Club Birmingham - **lat**: 52.47435429999999 - **long**: -1.8968091 - **full address**: The Glee Club Birmingham, 70 Hurst Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/7495c8056fdbc52bbb3f1e64815e4bb3d6cd7628552d4cc09e8e97f56d5e00f0-rimg-w1200-h600-dcbecada-gmir.jpg?v=1779145019 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women being held? - **A:** The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women takes place on Wed, 15 Jul, 2026 at 06:30 pm to Wed, 15 Jul, 2026 at 09:30 pm at The Glee Club Birmingham, 70 Hurst Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women? - **A:** The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women is organized by JAW Talks & Events. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The History of Mermaids, Sea Spirits & Women is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Birmingham, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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