Sirens
The Siren originally uploaded by Gail Bailleaux Kuker
Sirens
In Greek mythology, the Sirens are depicted as part-woman, part-bird creatures who lure sailors to their doom through their haunting song.
Numerous ancient writers mention them, each a bit differently.
According to Homer, Odysseus heeded Circe’s warning and avoided the Sirens’ dangerous call by plugging his crew’s ears with beeswax. And he ordered his shipmates to bind him to the ships’s mast so he, himself, wouldn’t be entranced.
In later variants of the myth, the Sirens drown themselves after failing to destroy Odysseus and his crew.
Sirens also have been depicted in Greek myth as mermaids.
The ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, depicted them in the myth of Er toward the end of the Republic as makers of the music of the spheres.
In early Christian times actual belief in the Sirens was discouraged but they were still used as symbols of evil, temptation and womanly seduction. » Odyssey (The), Hero
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Posted on August 2, 2009, in S and tagged christianity, evil, Greek myth, Homer, myth, seduction, sirens. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
![Eigerøy lighthouse III [Explored #4]](http://static.flickr.com/2879/8805431526_732f27a085_m.jpg "Eigerøy lighthouse III [Explored #4]")
Umm… little baffled by the attribution of Waterhouse’s painting to a Gail Bailleaux Kuker?
ya you’re right… tx. I was aware of that but figured people would click on pic and see… not wise to assume other users look at things the way I do! appreciated… just made the edit.