Willow Winsham – AncientPages.com – There is nothing more calming than sitting beside a nice stretch of water, gazing out into the distance and letting your mind be soothed by the sounds of sea, lake or river. But there are hidden dangers lurking in the depths just a breath away, waiting to pounce on the unwary. Here are some of the most terrifying beings that reside in the waters of the world.
Credit: Adobe Stock – Elenarts
Sirens
There were many dangers for sailors in the ancient world to contend with, but none quite so lethal as the exquisitely voiced sirens of Greek mythology. These half-woman, half-bird creatures were known for their beautiful singing, but beware: they used this gift to lure the unwary towards the rocks, dashing ships and dragging men down to the depths to meet their watery deaths. It was said that victims went willingly, desperate to be with the sweet-voiced maidens. It was said that their singing was so irresistible that no one could escape their charms; notably, Odysseus was a rare exception: Homer’s hero lashed himself to the mast to avoid leaping to his fate to become another victim.