"They are represented in Greek art like the harpies, as young women with the wings and feet of birds. Is said to have changed their bodies into those of birds, because they refused to go to the help of their companion, Persephone, when she was carried off by Pluto. Only two are mentioned in Homer, but three or four are mentioned in later times and introduced into various legends. He had the prudence to stop the ears of his companions with wax and to have himself bound to the mast. The Sirens are best known from the story that Odysseus succeeded in passing them with his companions without being seduced by their song. Gives a Grecian rendering of the story, and represents the Sirens as birds with heads of maidens.
In the illustration from an ancient Greek vase 7–33.įlaxman, in his designs illustrating the "Odyssey," represents the sirens as beautiful young women seated on the strand and singing. The celebrated Parthenon at Athens, the beautiful temple of Pallas Athenæ, so richly adorned with sculptures, likewise derives its name from this source.ĭante interviews the siren in "Purgatorio," xix.
Poetic legend states that she threw herself into the sea out of love for Ulysses, and was cast up on the Bay of Naples. Was derived from one of the sirens, whose tomb was shown in Strabo's time. Parthenope, the ancient name of Neapolis (Naples) Their names were, Parthenope, Ligea, and Leucosia. The Sirens (Greek, entanglers) enticed seamen by the sweetness of their song to such a degree that the listeners forgot everything and died of hunger. Sacred Texts Legendary Creatures Symbolism Index Previous Nextįictitious and Symbolic Creatures in Art, by John Vinycomb,, at Fictitious and Symbolic Creatures in Art: Fictitious Creatures of the Sea: The Sirens of Classical Mythology
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