Mythical creature tradition continues
BY DONNA SCHWARZ
All legends are born from a grain of truth. Or at least that’s how the saying goes, whether or not you chose to believe it, is up to the individual hearing it.
Legends, by definition, are stories that have been passed from one generation to the next. Some are attached to a person, others a certain place, but all are told as a matter of history by those who tell them.
The city of Riverdale has its own legend and built a statue that is the city’s logo.
Her name is Misty the Mermaid. The statue is located in the central plaza of Riverdale, sculpted by Tom Neary. Central plaza became her home in 1989. She is surrounded by rocks, one from each county in North Dakota. Misty is 7 feet tall and a healthy 200 pounds in weight. Where did the idea come from?
From local legends of course.
The legend was recorded in Mary J. Seidel’s book, “50 Years Riverdale ND”. It states: Where this wondrous beauty was born and when, we cannot tell. Legend has it that she and her lover swam the lengths of the Missouri River since the dawn of time.
He possessed great strength and she great magical power.
For many years, tales of their existence have been passed on from generation to generation.
In a whisper of time, a great barrier was built, and for reasons unknown, the lovers were separated.
She now remains locked in the mighty depths of Lake Sakakawea reigning and controlling the destiny of her waters and all creatures that abound.
Legend suggests she occupied the lower reaches of the lake most often, clinging to the hope of seeing her lover again.
