The Syrenka, or Mermaid of Warsaw, is one of Poland's most enduring mythological symbols, serving as the emblem of the city of Warsaw. Depicted on the city's coat of arms and celebrated in statues, murals, and other artworks, the mermaid represents strength, resilience, and protection.

Legends of the Syrenka tell of a mermaid who swam from the Baltic Sea into the Vistula River, where she chose to stay, enchanted by the beauty of the landscape. When threatened by fishermen, she is said to have promised to guard the city and its people, a vow reflected in her armed depiction with a sword and shield.

The Syrenka has become much more than a mythological figure; she embodies Warsaw's identity, symbolising the city's ability to endure and rebuild through periods of upheaval, including the devastation of World War II. The iconic mermaid can be seen across Warsaw, from statues like the famous one in the Old Town Square to modern reinterpretations in public art. Each representation offers a connection to the city's storied past and its dynamic present, illustrating how myth continues to shape civic and cultural identity.