Harpy ἁρπυίαι, ΑΡΠΥΙΑΙ Classical Meaning: • The term Harpy is derived from the Greek term harpazo which means to steal or snatch. • In Greek mythology the term Harpy referred to a mythical creature who had the body of a bird and the face of a women, they were also considered spirits of sudden winds/whirlwinds. • They were known as "the hounds of Zeus", because they were deployed by the gods to bring punishment to those who were guilty. • Sudden disappearances of people or things were believed to be caused by the Hárpuia • Homer references Harpy in Book 1, line 259 of the Odyssey when Telemachus spoke of his father Odysseus to the disguised Athena saying, "But now the whirlwinds have snatched him away without a trace" (p. 8) Classical Meaning Continued... • The vase painting depicted shows a scene of the Hárpuia snatching away a meal from King Phineus of Thrace. • Zeus deployed the Harpy to punish King Phineus after it was discovered that he was using his ability of foresight to reveal the secrets of the gods. • The Hárpuia punished the king by snatching away every meal that was put in front of him. Modern Meaning: • The term harpy is now used to describe a type of eagle known as the harpy eagle. • The harpy eagle received its name from the Greek mythical monster after becoming known as a large bird of prey. • Some also believe that the face of the harpy eagle looks similar to the face of a human. Modern Meaning Continued... • In modern times the term harpy is also used to describe a women who has a short/bad temper. • Used in a sentence: The women acted like a harpy as she yelled at the cashier over the cost of the item. Citations • https://www.theoi.com/Pontios/Harpyiai.html • https://sites.google.com/site/greekmonstermyths/home/phineusharpies • ODYSSEY HOMER (Hackett) Stanley Lombardo, translator..