LAMIA (la-mi-a) 1. A monster represented as a serpent with the head and breasts of a woman, reputed to prey upon humans and suck the blood of children. 2. A witch, female demon, or vampire.

Lamia in Myth In Greek mythology, Lamia was the daughter of Libya and Belus. According to the legend, Zeus engaged in an affair with Lamia. Hera, furious that her husband had cheated on her yet again, punished the unfortunate Lamia. By robbing her of her own children. As a result of Hera's wrath, Lamia retired to a cave from which, unable to strike at Hera, she took her anger out by killing the offspring of human mothers. Normally killing the children by sucking the blood out of them. Her actions led to her transformation into a hideous beast. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Lamia is usually described as a sort of bogey-woman. Her story was chilling and more than a bit macabre - perfect for frightening small children. It is said that Greek mothers sometimes told their children this tale in order to make them behave. She was also known as a fiend who, in the form of a beautiful woman, seduced young men in order to devour them.

However, the legend of the Lamia inspired more than fear, for the poet John Keats took up the subject in his poem entitled simply Lamia.
The poet's description of Lamia follows: