what is a harpie?

Answer 1

A harpy is a mythological winged creature of evil disposition. Click on these links to see interesting images and art of harpies:
http://www.clubdesmonstres.com/harpie03.jpg
http://ewancient.lysator.liu.se/pic/art/p/o/pouliot/harpie.jpg
http://users.skynet.be/Stephane.Henkinet/mountyhall/monster/Harpie.jpg


"Harpy (from Latin: Harpyia, Greek: Άρπυια, Harpuia, pl. Άρπυιαι, Harpuiai) in Greek mythology, the Harpies (snatchers) were mainly winged death-spirits (Harrison 1903, p 176ff), best known for constantly stealing all food from Phineas. The literal meaning of the word seems to be "whirlwinds".The Harpy could also bring life. A Harpy was the mother by the West Wind Zephyros of the horses of Achilles (Iliad xvi. 160). In this context Jane Harrison adduced the notion in Virgil's Georgics that mares became gravid by the wind alone, marvelous to say.Though Hesiod (Theogony) calls them two "lovely-haired" creatures, Harpies as beautiful winged bird-women are a late development, in parallel with the transformation of the "Siren, a creature malign though seductive in Homer, but gradually softened by the Athenian imagination into a sorrowful death angel" (Harrison p 177).. On a vase in the Berlin Museum (Harrison, fig 19), a harpy has a small figure of a hero in each claw, but her head is recognizably a Gorgon, with goggling eyes, protruding tongue and fangs."

Answer 2

Harpy (from Latin: Harpyia, Greek: Άρπυια, Harpuia, pl. Άρπυιαι, Harpuiai) in Greek mythology, the Harpies (snatchers[1] ) were mainly winged death-spirits (Harrison 1903, p 176ff), best known for constantly stealing all food from Phineas. The literal meaning of the word seems to be "whirlwinds".

The Harpy could also bring life. A Harpy was the mother by the West Wind Zephyros of the horses of Achilles (Iliad xvi. 160). In this context Jane Harrison adduced the notion in Virgil's Georgics that mares became gravid by the wind alone, marvelous to say (iii.274).

Though Hesiod (Theogony) calls them two "lovely-haired" creatures, Harpies as beautiful winged bird-women are a late development, in parallel with the transformation of the "Siren, a creature malign though seductive in Homer, but gradually softened by the Athenian imagination into a sorrowful death angel" (Harrison p 177).. On a vase in the Berlin Museum (Harrison, fig 19), a harpy has a small figure of a hero in each claw, but her head is recognizably a Gorgon, with goggling eyes, protruding tongue and fangs.

Answer 3

The Harpies were wind-spirits in Greek mythology, who suddenly snatched away people and things.

The most famous story about them is that of King Phineus, who revealed the secrets of the gods, and as punishment they set the Harpies upon him. Whenever a plate of food was placed before him, these awful maidens would swoop down and steal, polluting what was left with a foul smell.
They were eventually chased away by the winged sons of the North Wind, who chased them across the entire world until they collapsed with exhaustion.

There is a tonne of info. about them and some pics here:
http://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Harpyiai.html

Answer 4

A 'harpy' is a creature of Greek mythology, a death spirit or even a winged witch. They stole food.

H

Answer 5

A monsters with the head and trunk of a woman and the tail, wings, and talons of a bird. She speaks in the squalls of a voice shaped to paralyze her victim. She is more Hag than a Hag could ever be.

Answer 6

Dependent on the religion we are discussing the description can change. Some describe them as beastly winged women whom attack all those who they see. Others will describe them as just flying beasts with the heads of witches. Rarely but nonetheless some texts describe them as beautiful winged women but demonic.

Answer 7

Half-woman, Half-bird. Annoying as all get-out on World of Warcraft, and while there are SOME creatures they get wrong, this one was pretty darn close.

Answer 8

A bird woman. from roman mythology. I think they were in homers the oddesy. they are in alot of fantsy theamed things.

Answer 9

A hag with bird legs and wings.
Greek mythology I think....

Answer 10

An evil spirit!