The sealguana is a half seal, half iguana creature that inhabits the outlying islands of the Fire Nation.[1] It enjoys the hot, humid weather, and also loves swimming.
Ancient legends discuss the beautiful, melodious calls of the sealguana, which sailors used to believe belonged to mermaids. However, upon finding the source of the sound, sailors found nothing but disappointment in realizing they were only animals, not mermaids. In turn, the sealguanas were promptly killed and served as the sailors' meal for the night.[2]
Anatomy
The sealguana has the body shape of an iguana and the flippers of a seal. It is usually green in color, with a darker green line of thorn-like spikes that run down its entire body.
Connection
The sealguana exhibits physical characteristics from both of its namesakes. The fact that it is mistaken to be a mermaid may be a reference to the manatee. Its melodic call, on the other hand, may have been based off the mythical sirens, a trio of seductresses who lured sailors with their hypnotic songs.
Trivia
The sealguana legends strongly resemble the legend of sirens in ancient Greek mythology. Essentially, sirens would lure sailors using their beautiful, harmonious calls. Once the sailors arrived, however, the sirens would kill them. This is similar to how sealguanas would (accidentally) lure sailors to them with their beautiful calls. However, in this case, the sailors kill the sealguanas instead.