Bible Encyclopedias
Harpies

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(ςΑρπυιαι ), in Greek mythology, were daughters of Thaumas and Electra (an Oceanid). Sometimes two, sometimes three, are mentioned, under the different names, Aello, Podarge, Ocypete, Celano, Thyella, Acholoe, Aellopos, Nicothoe, and the like. In the descriptions of them there is also a great difference. With Homer they are storm goddesses, fleet, but beautiful; Hesiod also calls them swift goddesses, but in JEschylus they appear as hateful, winged monsters. They were usually represented as eagles with maiden faces. At times they had human arms and legs, which ended in claws and hens' feet. They were generally sent out by the gods to punish criminals.