harpy etymology

Etymology:

• From Late Latin harpyia (singular harpyia), from Ancient Greek ἅρπυια (hárpuia, “snatcher; a fabulous monstrous bird”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ger- (“to seize, swallow”).
• Cognate with Old English hearpe (“harpy”), Old Norse harpa (“witch”), and Sanskrit gr̥bhnāti (“to seize”).

Meaning:

• In Greek mythology, a winged creature with the head and breasts of a woman and the body of a bird, often associated with storms and death.
• Figuratively, a rapacious or greedy person, especially a woman.

Origin:

The original Greek concept of the Harpies likely evolved from earlier Babylonian and Egyptian myths about monstrous bird-like creatures that carried souls to the underworld.

In Greek mythology, the Harpies were said to be the daughters of the sea god Thaumas and the nymph Electra. They were often described as having long hair, sharp claws, and a foul odor.

The Harpies were known for their greed and cruelty. They were often sent to torment people who had angered the gods or broken oaths. The most famous example of this is the story of Phineus, whose food was constantly stolen by the Harpies.

The Harpies were eventually defeated by the Argonauts, who were led by the hero Heracles. Heracles shot the Harpies with arrows until they promised to leave Phineus alone.

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