Harpies
The Harpies weren’t harbingers of good news. Imagine creatures of raw, untamed storms – winged fiends with the faces of women and the cruel instincts of vultures. They served as Zeus’ celestial attack dogs, swooping down from the heavens to snatch people and objects in a flurry of feathers and fury.
Parents: Thaumas and Electra
The Harpies were sent to punish King Phineus for spilling the gods’ secrets. They plagued the king by snatching his food every time it arrived, leaving him starving and their fetid touch tainting any scraps. When the Argonauts arrived, the Boreads, powerful warriors with wings, rose to Phineus’ defense. A fierce chase ensued across the sea, showcasing the raw strength of the Boreads against the screeching agility of the Harpies. The battle reached a stalemate only when the goddess Iris intervened, allowing the Harpies to vanish but ensuring Phineus could finally enjoy a meal free from their cruel interference.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 