Harpies
The
harpies are hags from Hell,
vicious shrews repulsive to behold. They torment their victim
with unearthly screeches and wails, all the while scratching
eyes out and tearing flesh with their hideously long fingernails.
The
Harpies were originally storm goddesses in ancient Greece
or, some believe, aspects of the death goddess. Later myths
depicted them as "body snatchers". Their number varied,
up to eight (or even more). As "snatchers" they were described
as monsters with female heads (fair-haired), claws, bear's
ears, and vulture-like bodies.
There
are almost as many parents listed for each as there are
mythographers, so take what is listed here with a grain
of salt! The three which are most agreed upon as Harpies
are starred * below.
The
others are also included on many lists:
|
*
|
Aiello
(Means "Howler") |
Said
to be the daughter of Electra and Thaumas? She is
the personification of the whirlwind. One of the two
mentioned by Hesiod. |
|
*
|
Celaeno
(Means "Screamer") |
She
is the personification of heavily clouded skies. Daughter
of Gaia? |
|
Kelaino
(Possibly an alternative form of the above.) |
No
other information. |
|
Lelaino |
No
other information. |
|
Nicothoe |
No
other information. |
|
*
|
Ocypete
(Means "Swift") |
Personification
of storm winds. Daughter of Gaia? One of the two mentioned
by Hesiod. |
|
Podarge
(Possibly another form of Celaeno) |
The
only Harpy mentioned by Homer. No other information.
|
Other
sources tell that the Harpies are hags from Hell, vicious
shrews repulsive to behold. They torment their victim
with unearthly screeches and wails, all the while scratching
eyes out and tearing flesh with their hideously long
fingernails.
Ladies
of the night, Harpies may initially take the form of beautiful
women to seduce their victims into lustfulness; but inevitably,
as passions mount, they will suddenly reveal themselves,
more often than not causing the death of their victims.
The
wailing banshee that visits an Irish family to announce
an impending death is a commonly seen Harpie.
