The Merlion (Malay: Singa-Laut) is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot of Singapore. In ancient times, Singapore was known as Temasek, a Javanese word for sea. In the 11th century A.D, Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire rediscovered the island. When the Prince first landed on Singapore's shores, he sighted a mystical beast which he later learnt was a lion. The Prince then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura). The fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village.
The symbol was designed by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee and curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium.
The Merlion appeared in the influential anime Cowboy Bebop (episodes 18 nd 24), where its appearance in an ancient home movie offers amnesiac bounty hunter Faye Valentine a clue to her true origins. A Merlion can be seen on the Crest of the 8th Marine Regiment of the United States Marine Corps. The Merlin can also be seen in the popular video game Animal Crossing for the Nintendo GameCube as a decoration.
Merlion Statue - Day view
Merlion Statue - Night view
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