Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Harpies, the 'snatchers' of Greek myth who tormented King Phineus until the heroic Boreads drove them to the edge of the world.
In the ancient kingdom of Thrace, King Phineus sat before a banquet that he could never eat. Gifted with the power of prophecy by Apollo, Phineus had abused his gift by revealing the secret intentions of the gods to mortals. As punishment, Zeus struck him blind and sent the Harpies—horrible creatures with the bodies of vultures and the heads of women—to torment him. Every time food was placed before the king, these 'Snatchers' would swoop down, stealing the morsels from his hands and defiling the rest with a sickening stench. Phineus grew skeletal and weak, trapped in a cycle of eternal hunger. Relief only arrived when Jason and the Argonauts landed on his shores. Among them were the Boreads, Zetes and Calais, the winged sons of the North Wind. When the Harpies descended for their next raid, the Boreads drew their swords and took to the sky, chasing the monsters across the seas to the Strophades islands. Iris, the messenger of the gods, finally intervened, promising that the Harpies would trouble Phineus no more, allowing the blind king to finally eat in peace and provide the Argonauts with the directions they needed for their quest.
The Moral
Abusing divine gifts or positions of power leads to inescapable consequences, but even the harshest curse can be broken through cooperation and bravery.
“The Snatchers of the Wind leave nothing behind but the stench of divine wrath.”
Fun Fact
In Dante's 'Inferno,' Harpies reside in the seventh circle of Hell, where they eternally tear at the leaves of the trees that house the souls of those who committed suicide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Harpies?
The story serves as a warning against hubris and the misuse of sacred knowledge. It teaches that divine punishment is relentless, but justice can be restored when heroes intervene to stop suffering.
Who were the Harpies in Greek mythology?
The Harpies were female monsters often depicted as birds of prey with the heads of women. Their name translates to 'snatchers,' and they were considered personifications of the destructive nature of storm winds.
Why did Zeus punish King Phineus?
Phineus was a seer who used his gift of prophecy to reveal the secret plans of the gods to humanity. Zeus punished this betrayal by blinding him and sending the Harpies to ensure he could never eat.
How did the Argonauts help Phineus?
Two members of the Argonauts, the winged brothers Zetes and Calais, were destined to drive the Harpies away. They chased the monsters through the air until the goddess Iris intervened to guarantee Phineus's future safety.
What happened to the Harpies after they were chased?
The Harpies fled to the Strophades islands, where they were forced to remain. In later myths, they were relocated to the entrance of the Underworld or featured in tales like the Aeneid.
What do Harpies symbolize in literature?
Harpies usually symbolize greed, filth, and divine retribution. They represent things that are taken away suddenly or the persistent torment of a guilty conscience or a divine curse.
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