Legend has it that, once upon a time, a lovely young maiden was relaxing on the banks of a river, fanning herself to stay cool in the summer heat.  Suddenly, a handsome warrior approached.  Being both frightened and modest, she covered her bottom with the fan and leaped into the water where her shyness trapped her forever. The maiden became a manatee—her fan evolving into a distinctively broad, beaver-like tail.