In Polish, syrena refers to the mythical mermaid, a half-human, half-fish creature that is deeply embedded in Polish folklore, especially in Warsaw where it is the city's emblem.

The word syrena is directly related to the mythological figure of the mermaid, often depicted as a beautiful woman with the tail of a fish. The Warsaw mermaid, known as Syrenka Warszawska, symbolizes the city’s resilience and independence, a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.

The syrena legend has various interpretations in Slavic mythology, where mermaids are often seen as water spirits, sometimes benevolent, sometimes dangerous, with the ability to sing or entice sailors. In Warsaw, the mermaid represents not only the city’s relationship with water, but also its fight for freedom and survival through centuries of war and occupation.

The image of the mermaid is widely used in art, sculpture, and the city's coat of arms, making it a defining element of Warsaw’s identity. Radziszewski’s 2017 mural, as you noted earlier, brings a modern twist to this myth, integrating both a mermaid and a mer-man to reflect the city’s evolving and inclusive identity.