Sirens: The Secret Of The Power In Their Captivating Song That Heralded Death

A. Sutherland  – AncientPages.com – Usually, the Sirens were considered daughters of the river god Achelous, either by the Muse Terpsichore, Melpomene, Calliope, or by Sterope, daughter of King Porthaon of Calydon.

Ulysses and the Sirens. Herbert James Draper (1863–1920). Image uploader: Fanfwah – Public Domain

Their number is variously reported from two to eight. These creepy and not particularly beautiful mythological creatures initially had bird features, including feathered wings, clawed feet, and occasionally sparrow-like tails.

‘Some say that the Sirens, who had lost their wings as a result of an unsuccessful singing contest with the Muses, sponsored by Hera, committed suicide because of their failure to outcharm Orpheus; yet they were still on their island when Odysseus came by a generation later…’ ¹

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