In Greek and Roman mythology, a harpy (plural harpies, Ancient Greek: ἅρπυια, romanized: hárpyia, [1] [2] pronounced; Latin: harpȳia [3]) is a half-human and half-bird mythical creature, often believed to be a personification of storm winds. [4]

Apr 22, 2012 · The meaning of HARPY is a foul malign creature in Greek mythology that is part woman and part bird.

Apr 4, 2025 · Harpy, in Greco-Roman classical mythology, a fabulous creature, probably a wind spirit. The presence of harpies as tomb figures, however, makes it possible that they were also conceived of as ghosts. In Homer’s Odyssey they were winds that carried people away.

Mar 23, 2023 · In antiquity, the term “Harpy” (Greek ἅρπυια, translit. hárpyia ; pl. “Harpies,” Greek ἅρπυιαι, translit. hárpyiai ) was thought to come from the Greek word ἁρπάζω ( harpázō ) [1] or ἀνερείπομαι ( anereípomai ) [2] , meaning “to snatch” or “to rob.”

Jun 20, 2022 · A harpy, also known as a harpyia (pl. harpyiai), is a part-bird, part-woman monster in Greek mythology. Known as the 'Hounds of Zeus ,' they were the personification of storm winds and were under the command of Zeus, who would send them out during storms to do his bidding.

Jun 8, 2020 · While the word “harpy” originally referred to the creature’s ability to snatch away both people and possessions, today it has a very different meaning. The monsters’ harassment and shrieking voice has made their name synonymous with someone, particularly a woman, who is shrill, demanding, or rude.

Oct 18, 2023 · The name ‘Harpy’ means snatchers, which is highly appropriate considering the acts they carried out. They were considered as cruel and vicious creatures, who found pleasure in torturing their victims.

Aug 15, 2022 · The "Peruvian harpy": a harpy with two tails, horns, fangs, winged ears, and long wavy hair. 18th century. (Wellcome Collection / Public Domain) From the Sea to the Skies. The earliest description of the harpies’ background comes from Hesiod, who described the harpies Ocypete and Aello.

The harpy, a fierce and fearsome creature from Greek mythology, is often depicted as a winged spirit, half-human and half-bird. Its name, derived from the Greek word harpazein , means “to snatch,” which perfectly encapsulates the role these creatures played in ancient myths.

HARPY definition: 1. in Greek mythology, a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird 2. a cruel…. Learn more.