by Donita Weddle

Created on: September 04, 2008   Last Updated: September 21, 2008

The Sirens and their fatal attraction are described in many ancient writings, with some variations. In Greek mythology, the Sirens were seductive "bird-women", who lived in a flowery meadow on an island called Sirenum scopuli. This island was surrounded by rocks and cliffs that proved deadly to any crew whose ship ventured too closely to the shore. Depending on the story, the number of these birdlike women varies from two to five, but is most commonly portrayed as three. Their names also vary, as well as theories about their parentage, origin, and appearance. They were possibly the daughters of either Phorcys or Achelous. In appearance, the Sirens are commonly portrayed as women with wings, but have also been described as birds with women's heads, or women with the legs of birds.

Legend has it that the Sirens had a young playmate, Persephone, who was kidnapped and ravaged by Hades. They were given their wings by Demeter to search for Persephone, and their powerful, captivating song was their call to her. They were given the power to destroy men with their song. Unlucky seaman who ventured a little too near the island inhabitated by the Sirens would become so enthralled by their irresistibly beautiful music and seductive voices that they would shipwreck against the rocky coast and subsequently drown.

During the return voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, Jason, who had been forewarned about the Sirens, asked Orpheus to play loud and beautiful music on his lyre when they passed by the island so that his men would not hear the captivating song of the Sirens. Orpheus, of course, did as Jason directed. Only one of the crew, Brutes, was still able to hear the Sirens singing, and jumped overboard. He was rescued by Aphrodites. All of Jason's crew was saved.

In another tale, Hera, queen of the gods, convinced the Sirens to compete in a singing contest with the Muses (water nymphs). The Sirens lost, and all of their feathers were plucked out. The Muses then made crowns for themselves out of the feathers.

In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus and his crew had to pass by the island inhabitated by the seductive Sirens. Odysseus knew that if extra measures were not taken, he and his crew would lose their lives. Odysseus had his mens' ears plugged with wax. He himself was curious about what the song and voices of the Sirens sounded like, so had his men tie him tightly to the mast instead, to prevent him from steering the ship into the rocks as he listened. Upon hearing the Siren's song, he begged to be released, but his crew held fast and would not let him go. Soon, they passed the island and out of range of the Sirens. The Sirens then drowned themselves for letting Odysseus and his crew escape, and their singing was never heard again.

Sources: www.maicar.com, www.pantheon.org

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