As you can tell, ever since I had my dream in 2020 and I created a book about harpies based on that dream, I have been fascinated with these mythological creatures. Their myths and origins are interesting and the more I read about them, the more I realize how many questions people ask online about harpies. So, I decided to compile some of those queries and get your questions about harpies answered.

At the same time we can explore their myths and origins.

Questions about Origins

1. What is a harpy?
   1. A harpy is a half-bird, half-woman. She has the face of a woman, large wings that can reach incredible speed, and bird-like legs.
2. Where did harpies come from? How were they created?
   1. There are different versions.
      1. According to one legend (by Hesiod) they were the daughters of Thaumas and Electra.
      2. Another legend by Valerius claims that harpies were daughters of Pontus and Gaea, or of Poseidon.
3. What is a harpy in Greek mythology?
   1. In Homer’s Odyssey, they were winds that carried people away. In mythology, they could have been seen as wind spirits, but there are also accounts that describe them as tomb figures. That last description is a little closer to the scary creatures we known them as today.
      
      A tombstone figure could be ghost-like or maybe something ghoulish.

Strengths, Power, Weaknesses

1. How fast can harpies fly?
   1. They can fly faster than birds and even the wind
2. What powers do harpies have?
   1. flight – they can fly at an incredible speed.
   2. sharp and deadly talons and claws
   3. extraordinary strenght
3. Does a harpy have a weakness?
   1. According to Greek mythology, sons of Boreas – the Boreads – had the skill to eliminate harpies. An ancient oracle predicted that harpies were to die at the hands of the Boreads but if the Boreads failed, then the harpies would slaughter them.
   2. Another theory is that a heart injury (inflicted by a knife or any other weapon) could weaken a harpy. The wound can regenerate but as long as the harpy is incapacitated due to the damage in her heart, she can easily be burned.
      

Other Questions

1. Are harpies only female?
   1. Male harpies also exist and are known as “Alan.”
2. Why are harpies evil?
   1. First, because of their scary appearance. Imagine a bird-like woman flying at you at breakneck speed, sharp claws and talons stretched out.
      Harpies are often described as spiteful beings who will attack anyone they take offense to. Notoriously sadistic, they enjoy inflicting pain on their victims.
      

      

   2. Second, in several stories they were described as evil creatures who snatch and punish people on behalf of the gods. That’s why there were also known as the “Hounds of Zeus.”
3. Are harpies beautiful?
   1. It depends. In many ancient myths they were described as hideous creatures but there are also accounts that depict them as beautiful.
4. How old can harpies get?
   1. In Greek mythology their lifespan can range between 25 and 50 years.
5. What do harpies symbolize?
   1. Good question! In Greek mythology, they symbolize divine punishment. Famine is one of the more well-known ones and there is also the example of Phineus, a blind seer whose food they would steal.

Final Thoughts

These are the most common questions. Their myths and origins provide enough material to create books about these frightening creatures. Unfortunately, I find them in few novels, but maybe that just means that it’s time to write more about them.

In my books, harpies live longer than 25 or 50 years. The creatures I created are immortal. They can transform into their human and harpy form at will, and look terrifying as harpies but at the same time beautiful since each one has her special characteristics and colors.

My harpies are not the sadistic monsters that are described in Greek mythology and they won’t rob a blind man of his meal, but they are a force to be reckoned with and they are certainly no one’s favorite opponent.

However, they have the same powers as described in mythology, speed, sharp talons and claws, and super strength. Additionally, I also gave most of them a special talent that is useful for them and the harpy community. As for the method of destroying a harpy, I took a few liberties there; it’s not like in Greek mythology.

Well, it’s a whole new world I created, with its laws and rules.

I hope you enjoyed reading the answers to these questions. If you find harpies as fascinating as I do, then why not take a look at the Stone Series? You’ll never look at harpies the same way again 🙂