One of a group of demonic `seizers' who may carry off souls, and are also responsible for spoiling Phineus' feast, from which they are chased by the sons of Boreas. They are shown in the form of Sirens, with bodies of birds of prey and women's heads and upper bodies, sometimes also human arms (to carry prey), and in the early period as winged women.
Above: Detail from Athenian black-figure clay vase about 550-500 BC. Martin von Wagner Museum L164. Photo. Museum F9/4 © Martin von Wagner Museum
