From postcards to keychains and travel brochures, one image unmistakably represents the Lion City—Singapore’s Merlion. As a creature of myth and marketing genius, the Merlion has become a symbolic guardian of Singapore’s identity. But behind its fish-and-lion hybrid form lies a layered tale of history, culture, and national branding.
The Mythical Roots Of The Merlion
To understand Singapore’s Merlion, one must first appreciate the symbolism embedded in its form. The creature’s lion head references the legend of Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince who encountered a majestic lion upon landing on the island in the 13th century. Inspired by the sighting, he named “Singapura”, meaning “Lion City” in Sanskrit.
The fish tail, on the other hand, symbolises Singapore’s origin as a humble fishing village known as Temasek, derived from the Malay word for “sea”. This dual imagery pays homage to Singapore’s transformation from a maritime settlement to a cosmopolitan hub. In this way, Singapore’s Merlion becomes a mythological bridge connecting the island’s past and present.
A Creation Of National Identity
Contrary to what some may believe, Singapore’s Merlion is not an ancient symbol passed down through the centuries. The creature was designed in 1964 by Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (now the Singapore Tourism Board). His vision was to develop a unique icon that could embody the island’s historical roots and be recognisable to tourists.
The first Merlion statue, standing at 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tonnes, was sculpted by Lim Nang Seng and officially unveiled on 15 September 1972 by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River. Since then, the Merlion has come to represent Singapore in both cultural and commercial realms, cementing its status as a symbol of national pride.
From Icon To Pop Culture
Over the decades, Singapore’s Merlion has grown beyond its role as a tourist emblem. It now appears in countless local references—from school textbooks and marketing materials to souvenirs and cartoons. The image has even inspired parodies and reinterpretations, indicating its deep-rooted place in Singaporean consciousness.
The Merlion Park, located near Marina Bay, is one of the most photographed spots in Singapore. Tourists from around the world flock to catch a glimpse of the statue spouting water against the skyline backdrop. A second, smaller “Merlion cub” statue stands nearby, reinforcing the symbol’s significance to both locals and visitors alike.
Alternate Merlions Across The City
While the original stands proudly at Marina Bay, several other versions of Singapore’s Merlion can be found across the island. One was previously located at Sentosa, standing at 37 metres high, and served as a panoramic viewing deck until it was demolished in 2019 as part of redevelopment plans. Despite this, other replicas remain, such as those at Mount Faber and Ang Mo Kio.
These alternate Merlions serve as visual anchors of national identity, strategically placed in both high-traffic and suburban areas. Each location, though differing in scale and context, upholds the enduring legacy of the myth.
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Controversies And Criticism
Despite its popularity, Singapore’s Merlion has not escaped criticism. Some argue that the creature’s artificial origins make it less authentic as a cultural symbol. Others find its design kitschy or outdated in an increasingly modern landscape.
Nonetheless, supporters believe its charm lies in its fusion of history and imagination. As Singapore continuously redefines itself in a fast-changing global economy, the Merlion remains a familiar emblem—perhaps not because of what it is, but because of what it represents: resilience, transformation, and unity.
The Merlion In Tourism And Branding
Since its debut in 1972, Singapore’s Merlion has played a central role in shaping the nation’s tourism identity. Conceived during the early stages of Singapore’s development as a global destination, the Merlion quickly became the face of the Singapore Tourism Board’s efforts to present the city as a blend of exotic charm and urban sophistication. By the mid-1970s, it was already appearing on brochures, travel campaigns, postage stamps, and even international expos, helping to brand Singapore as a unique and memorable stop for global travellers.
What makes Singapore’s Merlion such a compelling symbol for tourism is its ability to straddle contrasts. It evokes mystery and myth through its fantastical hybrid design, while also standing amid modern skylines, luxury shopping districts, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The juxtaposition of a lion’s head, representing strength and nobility, with the tail of a fish, rooted in Singapore’s maritime origins, captures the country’s narrative of humble beginnings transformed into global success. As such, the Merlion has come to represent more than a visual icon—it symbolises a carefully curated identity that markets Singapore to the world as a place where tradition meets progress.
The impact of this branding strategy has been profound. Singapore’s Merlion is now considered a “must-see” for tourists visiting the city-state, often ranking high on travel itineraries and Instagram feeds. The Merlion Park, with its direct view of Marina Bay Sands and the central business district, has become one of the most photographed spots in the city. The symbolism of the Merlion spouting water into the bay adds to its allure, offering both a picturesque setting and a subtle metaphor for abundance and vitality.
Beyond its scenic value, the Merlion has proven to be a powerful commercial asset. A whole ecosystem of merchandise has sprung up around the icon, ranging from miniature figurines and fridge magnets to plush toys and high-end jewellery. These products are not merely souvenirs; they are tangible pieces of the Singapore brand, carried home by millions of tourists every year. In doing so, they help reinforce the country’s image abroad and ensure a level of global recognition that few national icons can achieve.
Theme parks and events have also embraced Singapore’s Merlion to drive foot traffic and deepen engagement. In Sentosa, the now-demolished 37-metre-tall Merlion statue once served as an observation tower and a theatrical backdrop for light shows, further embedding the icon in the experiential tourism landscape. While the structure is gone, the memory of it remains a testament to the Merlion’s adaptability as both a cultural and economic asset.
Merlion-Inspired Art And Literature
Beyond its role in tourism and commerce, Singapore’s Merlion has taken on a second life in the realms of art and literature. Local creatives have long grappled with the icon’s layered identity, reinterpreting it in ways that extend far beyond its initial intention. For some artists and writers, the Merlion serves as a canvas upon which ideas of nationalism, multiculturalism, and identity are projected.
In poetry, the Merlion is often depicted as a silent observer of the country’s transformation, or as a creature caught between two worlds—part sea, part land; part myth, part monument. One well-known example is Edwin Thumboo’s poem “Ulysses by the Merlion”, which situates the creature within both Western and Asian literary traditions, sparking dialogue on Singapore’s cultural hybridity. Other works have offered more critical or satirical takes, using the Merlion to question state narratives or to represent a yearning for authenticity in a rapidly modernising society.
In the visual arts, the Merlion appears frequently in street art, murals, and gallery exhibitions, often reimagined in whimsical or surreal contexts. It may be painted wearing sunglasses, sporting modern attire, or integrated into urban landscapes in unexpected ways. Such representations indicate that the Merlion’s meaning is fluid—it shifts depending on the creator’s intent and the societal moment. Rather than diminishing its impact, this versatility enhances the symbol’s relevance, keeping it alive in the national conversation.
A Symbol That Endures
More than half a century after its first unveiling, Singapore’s Merlion remains a beloved and instantly recognisable emblem. Its resilience as a symbol is remarkable in an era where branding and trends shift at the speed of social media. Unlike fleeting logos or one-off mascots, the Merlion has grown with the nation, morphing from a government-commissioned emblem into a collective icon embraced across generations.
Part of the Merlion’s endurance can be attributed to its unique contradictions. It is at once mythical and manufactured, whimsical yet authoritative, archaic yet modern. These contradictions reflect the spirit of Singapore itself—a place where diverse cultures coexist, where skyscrapers rise beside temples, and where history is preserved even as innovation accelerates. For Singaporeans, the Merlion may not invoke spiritual devotion, but it does carry a shared emotional resonance. It is woven into the fabric of everyday life—from childhood excursions and National Day celebrations to casual strolls by Marina Bay.
The Living Legacy Of The Merlion
Today, Singapore’s Merlion represents far more than a tourist attraction or a branding tool. It has become a living symbol of the nation’s story—one that begins with legend, travels through colonial legacies, and arrives in a city constantly reinventing itself. As new icons emerge and the global tourism landscape evolves, the Merlion continues to hold its ground, adapting without losing its core significance.
Its story speaks to the power of narrative in shaping national identity. Few countries can claim a creature entirely their own, rooted in local lore yet versatile enough to grace everything from government campaigns to pop culture. As Singapore moves forward, the Merlion remains its eternal sentry, watching over the island with a lion’s gaze and the soul of the sea.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital impressions and fleeting visuals, Singapore’s Merlion endures as a timeless icon. It is, in every sense, the embodiment of the Lion City’s bold journey—a fusion of heritage and ambition, fantasy and purpose.
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