The Harpy

Description from original post (created 2012-02-08 11:29):

The Harpy (meaning "snatcher") was depicted as a bird woman, covered in feathers, and had talons and wings. Originally depicted as beautiful and colorful in plumage, they were later changed to be ugly and hideous bird women due to confusion with the sirens. They were most famous for constantly snatching food away from Phineas.

"Here the repellent harpies make their nests,

Who drove the Trojans from the Strophades
With dire announcements of the coming woe.
They have broad wings, a human neck and face,

Clawed feet and swollen, feathered bellies; they caw
Their lamentations in the eerie trees."