Everyone in Jon and Anna's village knows of the mermaid's beauty -- and her cruelty -- and is careful to speak well of her. Everyone but their grandfather, Eric, until the day the mermaid smashes his fishing boat against the rocks.

After that, Eric bids his family good-bye, for no one will sail with him again. But Jon and Anna never stop missing him, so they decide they must defeat the mermaid's curse and bring their grandfather home. . .