The legend tells of Alexander the Great’s pursuit of the Fountain of Immortality, which led him to acquire a flask containing immortal water through great efforts. Variations of the tale suggest that Alexander either used the water to wash his sister’s hair, granting her immortality or inadvertently used it to nourish a wild onion plant, failing to inform Thessalonike of its contents.

Following Alexander the Great’s demise, his sister, consumed by grief, sought to end her life by plunging into the sea. However, instead of meeting a watery fate, she transformed into a mermaid, destined to pass judgment on mariners across countless centuries and the vast expanse of the seven seas.

Every encounter with sailors bore a consistent query: “Is King Alexander alive?” (Greek: Ζει ο βασιλιάς Αλέξανδρος;). Only the correct response of “He lives and reigns and conquers the world” (Greek: Ζει και βασιλεύει, και τον κόσμο κυριεύει!) would appease her, allowing the ship and its crew to sail away safely on tranquil waters. Any other reply would awaken her wrathful Gorgon form, determined to send the vessel and its sailors to the depths below.