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I am Ryn. I come from the sea.
— Her very first words[src]

Ryn Fisher is the central character of the television series ' Siren' portrayed by Eline Powell. A mermaid from the depths, Ryn finds herself in Bristol Cove,a town with a deep-seated legacy of mermaid folklore. Her journey in the human world begins under the name 'Ryn,' which she adopts after observing a cartoon through a child's bedroom window. Ryn's primary motivation in coming to Bristol Cove is to find her sister, Donna, who was separated from her following an accidental capture by fishermen.

In the course of the series, Ryn's role expands significantly. She becomes the mother of a child named Hope, assumes the role of the maternal aunt to Cami , and develops a romantic relationship with Ben Pownall and Maddie Bishop. Her character arc intertwines personal quests with familial duties, set against the backdrop of Bristol Cove's historical and mystical connections with mermaids.

Official Description[]

Ryn is a strange young woman with a deep dark secret.

Early Life[]

Not much is known about Ryn's past. The only thing known is that Ryn and Donna are sisters that come from a mermaid colony. At some point prior to the start of the series, Ryn and Donna's mother died. From there, Donna made it her responsibility to take care of Ryn and herself.

Physical Appearance[]

Human[]

Ryn is distinguished by her long, wavy hair, which is typically dark or black, contributing to her enigmatic presence. She has a pale complexion that contrasts with her dark hair, highlighting her otherworldly beauty. A defining feature of Ryn in her human form is her striking blue eyes, large and expressive, conveying depth, curiosity, and intensity.

Her clothing style is simple and practical, reflecting her adjustment to human society and her pragmatic nature.Several human characters in the show, such as Ben and Maddie, have repeatedly noted that Ryn possesses a physical allure that captivates those around her. This magnetic appeal is likely attributed to her inherent, enchanting mermaid qualities.

Mermaid[]

Ryn mermaid form

Ryn in mermaid form

Ryn, in her mermaid form, has a human-like upper body that seamlessly merges into a long, spiky fishtail, embodying the quintessential mermaid aesthetic. Her tail and fins are adorned with a beautiful blend of blues and greens, reflecting the hues of the ocean, and her scales shimmer like the surface of the sea, enhancing her connection to the water. The sleek design of her tail underscores her agility and speed, vital attributes for navigating the aquatic environment.

Ryn's mermaid form also includes small, sharpened teeth and large, glassy eyes, adding to her marine allure. She possesses gills housed within slits on her body, enabling her to breathe underwater. Her fingers are webbed and tipped with razor-sharp claws, while her pectoral fins, crucial for maneuvering, are complemented by a prominent dorsal fin that extends from her neck to near the tail's end. The flexibility and power of her tail are attributed to the spinal vertebrae extending its full length and the numerous muscles within, offering more flexibility than her human legs.

Personality[]

Ryn Fisher initially embodies the quintessential traits of a mermaid: instinctual, wild, and defensive. Her early interactions with humans, marked by aggression and self-preservation, showcase her natural mermaid instincts. However, Ryn's adaptation to human society reveals her remarkable intelligence and quick learning ability. She swiftly acquires language and social behaviors, indicating her adaptability and cognitive strengths.

As Ryn integrates into human culture, her emotional landscape evolves significantly. She develops deep emotional connections, particularly with Maddie Bishop and Ben Pownall transitioning from a survival-oriented mermaid to one capable of empathy and affection. Her relationships reflect her growing understanding and navigation of human emotional complexities.

Ryn's loyalty and protective nature are evident in her efforts to find her sister, Donna, highlighting her familial bonds. Her altruistic side is showcased in instances like aiding Ben's mother, Elaine Pownall underscoring her capacity for selflessness. Ryn's character arc captures her transformation from her instinct-driven mermaid origins to a more emotionally and intellectually complex individual, adept at balancing her inherent traits with her evolving human experiences.

Throughout the Series[]

Season 1[]

"Siren," a captivating series set in the coastal town of Bristol Cove, renowned for its legend of once being home to mermaids, unfolds an intricate and emotionally charged narrative in its first season. The story begins with the mysterious arrival of a young woman, Ryn, who possesses an otherworldly allure and uncanny abilities. She ventures into Bristol Cove in search of her older sister, Donna, who has been captured by the local military after being discovered in the water.

The central characters are marine biologists Ben Pownall and Maddie Bishop, who become intertwined with Ryn's quest. Ben, a descendant of one of Bristol Cove's founding families, and Maddie, the daughter of the town's sheriff, are drawn to Ryn's unique nature, eventually discovering her true identity as a mermaid. This revelation sets the stage for a complex relationship among the trio, marked by both fascination and fear.

As the season progresses, the town of Bristol Cove becomes a battleground for conflicting interests. The military's experiments on mermaids, driven by a desire to harness their unique biology, emerge as a central plot point, leading to escalating tensions between the townspeople, the military, and the mermaid community. Led by the enigmatic Aldon Decker, the military aims to harness the unique biology of mermaids for their own purposes.

Additionally, the introduction of other mermaids, including Levi and Katrina, further complicates the plot. These new mermaids seek to rescue their kin and protect their species, often clashing with human interests. Levi, characterized by his fierce loyalty to Ryn, and Katrina, who challenges Ryn for leadership, add dynamic layers to the story.

A significant development is the evolving relationship between Ben, Maddie, and Ryn. What begins as a scientific curiosity and compassionate help becomes a deep, complex bond. This relationship is tested as they navigate ethical dilemmas and emotional challenges, especially as Ben and Maddie grapple with their feelings for Ryn and their role in the conflict between humans and mermaids.

The season reaches a climax in a gripping finale where the fate of the mermaids and the future of Bristol Cove are at stake. This climax sees a confrontation between the mermaids, led by Ryn, and their human adversaries, culminating in a tense and dramatic resolution that sets the stage for future conflicts.

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Season 2[]

In "Siren" Season 2, Bristol Cove becomes a nexus for mermaids, escalating tensions and mysteries. Ben Pownall, struggling with the aftereffects of Ryn's siren song, grapples with his deepening connection to the mermaid world. Ryn, endeavoring to adapt to human society, faces challenges in maintaining her leadership among the mermaids, especially with her loyalties divided between her kind and her human allies, Ben and Maddie Bishop.

As more mermaids arrive, Ryn and her human allies, including marine biologists Maddie and Ben, strive to protect these creatures from discovery and harm. The mermaids' deteriorating health on land leads to urgent actions to return them to the sea, and a crucial mermaid beauty contest plays a role in this covert operation. Elaine Pownall grows increasingly suspicious of Helen Hawkins and her connections to the mermaid world.

Ryn's efforts to help the mermaids assimilate meet resistance, and Ben and Maddie find themselves in a dangerous balancing act between aiding Ryn and dealing with personal and familial conflicts. Katrina, a mermaid, stirs unrest, challenging Ryn's leadership and seeking dominance over both mermaids and humans. Meanwhile, Helen Hawkins uncovers more about her family lineage and mermaid heritage, adding depth to the narrative.

The season explores themes of identity, environmentalism, and interspecies relationships. It is marked by critical moments such as the mermaids' and humans' combined effort to thwart an oil company, leading to devastating consequences. The aftermath of this event forces mermaids and humans alike to reckon with their actions and their future.

Elaine Pownall's health crisis leads her to undergo a risky treatment involving mermaid cells, highlighting the potential and dangers of mermaid-human biological interactions. This situation, coupled with the military's growing interest in mermaids, particularly Ryn, adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the plot.

The mermaid mating season brings new challenges and revelations. Ryn's need to ensure the survival of her species leads her to bring a new mate ashore, causing emotional upheaval for Ben and Maddie. The season also delves into the concept of mermaid procreation and the viability of their existence on land.

In the finale, Ben faces a monumental decision that impacts not just his life but the entire balance between mermaids, hybrids, and humans.

Season 3[]

The season begins with Ryn further adjusting to human life, selling pearls for money and preparing dinner for Ben and Maddie. A major development occurs with the introduction of Tia, a powerful and tyrannical mermaid from the northern seas, who plans to unite all merpeople tribes under her rule with the goal of eradicating humanity​​.

Tia's arrival in Bristol Cove sets off a series of events, including the revelation of her traumatic past with the Russian government, who stole her song by cutting into her brain. This fuels her desire for revenge against humanity​​. As Ryn learns of Tia's plans, she confronts her, leading to a tense and violent confrontation that leaves Ryn severely injured​​.

Meanwhile, Maddie discovers a new ally, Rob Wellens, and they work together on an environmental project. The storyline also follows Ben's father, Ted Pownall, who grapples with his own experiences and perceptions regarding merpeople​​​​.

As the season progresses, the narrative intensifies with Tia's attacks and the spread of her siren song, causing widespread chaos and influencing people's behavior. The situation escalates with the kidnapping of Ryn's daughter, Hope, and a global attack orchestrated by Tia​​.

The season reaches its climax with a dramatic underwater battle between Ryn and Tia. Ryn, with the help of her colony and Robb's clan, manages to defeat Tia, solidifying her position as the alpha of all merpeople colonies.

Relationships[]

Donna[]

S01E04-On-the-Road-093-Donna-Ryn

Donna and Ryn reuniting after being separated.

Donna is Ryn's mermaid sister and the leader over her in their mermaid colony. They share a close relationship, especially after the death of their mother years ago, and often hunt for food together. However, during one of their food hunts, they are caught in Xander’s father’s ship net and beached on their ship. Ryn and Donna try to escape while injuring Chris Mueller in the process. In the end, Donna is captured by the U.S. military and Ryn escapes. Ryn later beaches herself and turns into a human in an attempt to find Donna. Ryn finds several human allies along the way until Donna and Ryn share a heartfelt reunion and return to the ocean together.

A month after their reunion, Donna and Ryn are forced to find help on land due to humans overfishing in their waters. Donna goes against Ryn’s friends and allies after she believes all humans are bad, which strains their relationship. Ryn stays on land to rectify the fishing situation while Donna returns to their colony in the water. After Donna realized her colony wants to kill Ryn for staying on land for too long, Donna temporarily abandons her colony and allies with Ryn and her friends to stop their colony. This restores their close relationship. However, Ryn risks losing Donna after Xander unintentionally shoots Donna in the stomach. Ryn anxiously waits for Donna's recovery, but unfortunately, Donna’s chances are slim according to Ben, Maddie, and Helen.

Donna eventually succumbs to her wounds and dies in Ryn's arms, which leaves Ryn to experience more heartbreak as a newbie human. Later on, Ryn decides to let Helen help her find a burial place for her sister.

Mermaid Colony[]

Ryn leads a mermaid colony that holds fellow merfolk Donna, Levi, and Katrina in it. Katrina was originally Ryn's matriarchal leader. However, Levi and Katrina felt that she was on land too long and attempted to kill her. However, Ryn asserts her dominance over Katrina and gains leadership over Katrina's mermaid colony.

Ben Pownall[]

S01E03-Interview-With-a-Mermaid-066-Ryn-Ben

Ben interviewing Ryn.

Ryn first meets Ben after seeing him driving down a deserted road and he spots her running around his town barely clothed. Being she was a non-English speaking mermaid, she doesn’t understand Ben’s intentions as he clothes her and drives with her back to his house. Ben is puzzled at Ryn and tries to figure her out as she continues to blankly stare at him. Ryn then decided to use her Siren song on him, hypnotizing him being she was curious about him until she could escape his house on foot. Ryn eventually is found by Ben again. Later in his marine rescue center, Ryn struggles to the water and transforms into her siren-self. Ben sees this on camera and dives in after her thinking she is drowning. However, this is where Ben first discovers Ryn is, in fact, a mermaid/siren. Acting on instinct, Ryn attacks Ben underwater despite knowing he isn't a real threat.

Their friendship continues to develop during the first season until it grows into something a little more than platonic, especially when Ben becomes obsessed with Ryn’s siren song. Ryn was unaware of his growing-obsession for her. Despite this obsession, Ryn and Ben grow to be close friends, who even share a kiss at one point (Ryn is unaware of romantic interaction at this point, however). Even though Ryn is a bit naive of what the difference between friendship and romantic love is in human culture, she refers to Ben as being "love". After the events of the first season, Ryn sees how obsessed Ben has become with her, especially with her siren song (similar to how Aldon became obsessed with Donna's siren song) knowing what became of Aldon, Ryn decides that it is best if she stayed away from Ben for a while for his safety. In the latest episode "Primal Instincts" Ryn, Maddie and Ben wake up after falling asleep cuddling after having shared kisses and falling asleep. Ryn asks Maddie and Ben why they stopped, which Maddie replies they weren't sure if Ryn wanted to do anything more. Ryn replies that "She wants to make love to Ben and Maddie" Ben and Maddie share a look before replying they would like that too.

Maddie Bishop[]

S01E03-Interview-With-a-Mermaid-101-Ryn-Maddie

Ryn holding Maddie's head.

Ryn meets Maddie through Ben and the two share a tense relationship at first and Ryn even attacks her at some point, but Maddie continues to open up about herself to Ryn, which helps them to grow closer in friendship. Eventually, Ryn decides to fully trust Maddie with Ben as they help Ryn find her sister. They share several moments together, which helps them to grow closer during the first season, such as: when Maddie opened up to a curious Ryn about her choice to decorate her hair, when Maddie helped Ryn dry off after falling into the pool at the Siren Song Motel and Ryn hugged Maddie after learning she was afraid of her, and when Ryn asked about Maddie's mother and Maddie taught her what love was (which lead Ryn to kiss her) Ryn also refers to Maddie as being "love" (along with Ben) at some point during the series, opening up the possibility of a romantic relationship between the two. In the Season 2 episode "Primal Instincts" the show has officially established Ben, Maddie, and Ryn as a polyamorous triad. In season three Maddie and Ben break up leading Run to then date Ben and Maddie seperately.

Helen Hawkins[]

S01E02-The-Lure-025-Helen-Ryn

Ryn and Helen.

Ryn became friends with Helen after she remained on land to find her sister, Donna. Helen sheltered Ryn while she tried to find her sister. Helen made it strictly clear to Ryn that she belonged in the water, despite this, the two grew closer as friends and allies. Ryn also reveals she sensed Helen was a fellow mermaid after they both buried Donna's body.

She offers her colony hospitality for a short time before relocating to Ben's family cabin. After receiving a check for $104,350.00, she helps Ryn's colony find an apartment to improve the living situation.

Aldon Decker[]

Ryn becomes enemies with Aldon after she learns through Donna that Aldon was the one to experiment on and torture Donna. Ryn and Donna decide to lure Aldon into the woods and try to kill him for the torture he inflicted upon Donna, but Ben arrived in time to stop them from killing Aldon. Ryn later lets Aldon try to help Donna's wounds, but Ryn tells Aldon to leave when he begs Donna to sing her siren song to him.

Dale Bishop[]

Ryn meets Maddie’s father after his team arrests her. Dale interrogates Ryn about a supposed-drug epidemic, but their relationship transitions when Maddie helps Ryn reveal her mermaid form by pouring saltwater on her right arm revealing her scales, webbed fingers, and claws to Dale. Ryn and Dale become allies and their hostile relationship is no more after she has snapped Glen's neck for attempting to assault Maddie at the Siren Song Motel. While driving back from the Siren Song Motel with Ryn, he explains the importance of laws on land to her, and that the myths that Bristol Cove believes about mermaids represents a peaceful existence that would bring change to the rest of the world.

Powers and abilities[]

  • In her human form Ryn is highly stronger, faster and resistant than normal human beings.
  • In her mermaid form she's even stronger, faster and resistant than her human form.
  • She does not transform into her mermaid form in fresh water.
  • She can naturally breathe underwater.
  • She can reach every depth in the water.
  • Is able to pass a primate intelligence test as demonstrated in "Interview With A Mermaid".
  • She heals a lot faster than humans, this healing process is accelerated in her mermaid form.
  • She can confuse people's minds and lead them in a state of madness with her voice, singing a particular song composed with lots of frequencies (as seen with Aldon Decker and Chris Mueller, by her sister Donna, Ben Pownall and Maddie Bishop, by Ryn herself).
  • She can take away the pain from living beings with her voice, singing a different song, as shown in "No North Star" and in "Life and Death" to calm down her unborn daughter, who was growing inside of Meredith.
  • She is able to sense her daughter Hope's presence.

Talents/Experiences[]

Throughout the series, Ryn shows examples of how much about human culture she learns while residing on land:

  • While Ryn is helping out at Helen's antique shop in "The Arrival", she learns the basics of customer service, the concept of money and its slang words "dough" and "moolah.
  • In "The Wolf at the Door" Ben teaches her how to drive, and learns what it means to laugh.
  • In "The Last Mermaid", Ben and Maddie give her a cellphone and learns how to use it.
  • In "Borders", her talent for cooking is introduced when she serves Ben and Maddie carrot and banana salad with marshmallow chicken.
  • In "Survivor", Ryn expands her knowledge by reading books. She also attempts to use the vocal assistant on Maddie's phone.
  • In "Mommy and Me", she and Maddie attend a session for mothers and their babies where she learns about singing a lullaby and the meaning of "attachment parenting".
  • In "Northern Exposure", Ryn flies on the plane to Alaska experiencing air travel for the first time, on their way to the mermaid tribe's territory she sees a brown bear in the middle of the road seeing nature on land.

Trivia[]

  • Her name is also a town in Poland.
  • Her weight is 196.6 lb (almost 200)
  • Her body temperature is 92.2 (6.4 degrees lower than the average human body temperature)
  • Her unnamed mother died long before she had time to remember her. We do not know what happened to her father, since the females do not give much importance to the males whom they mate with.
  • Her lack of resemblance to Donna suggests that although sharing the same mother, they would be from two different fathers, which would make them maternal half-sisters.
  • Maddie says to her long-lost addict mother in "Primal Instincts" that Ryn is from Finland when she asked about Ryn's accent.
  • It is in particular to her that the scientists of the United States military seem to be interested, because of the reports of Nicole according to which she is very evolved and even more rational than the others; referring to her as "the one they need". This is confirmed by the fact that Ryn is the Siren of her colony that spent the most time on the surface.
  • It is revealed that in "No North Star", she has the ability to sing a particular soothing song that takes away pain but not fully heal. This song was probably taught to her by Eliza, who was in a way the healer of their colony.

Appearances[]

Season 1[]

Season 2[]

Season 3[]

Gallery[]

Promotional Images[]

Screencaps[]

References[]

  1. Wald, Eric (writer) & Stewart, Scott (director) (January 26, 2017). Pilot. Siren. Season 1. Episode 1. Freeform.
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