sirenology

Sirenology is the study of the nature, origin, and cultural impact of the species mermaid. In the 20th century this area of study became broadened to include human women considered to be a temptress or seductress especially celebrities such as Mae West and Marilyn Monroe. Contemporary music videos such as those of Lady Gaga and Rihanna continue the long association between music and the siren in mythology and human culture. In the 19th century Sirenology also was used as a term in the study of the aquatic mammals manatee and dugong which became involved in Mermaid theory.