Harpy

Harpy
Rare photo of Nicholas Cage as a Harpy.

A Harpy is a bird/woman hybrid, like a Siren but bigger, scarier, stronger, and faster. It premiered in episode 11, Harpies a.k.a. Gimme That Creatch.

Description

Though the bird/woman hybrid is a popular form of the harpy, there is also a form of the harpy that is portrayed as an attractive female human who can turn into a demonic bird like creature. They live to torture humans and often aim to make the suffering last, so they don't kill often.

The hybrid depiction are described as birds having the head and torso of a woman, and having long claws. The closest depiction of this is Dee Reynolds from Always Sunny. The demonic transformation type is described to always be an attractive woman when in human form (Velija claims that Hillary Clinton is a spot on description...) and they can change to their demonic form at will. The demonic form looks like a fucked up bird. The best description is to imagine a bird, then imagine that same bird, but it's in a horror video game.

Harpies often steal food from their prey, usually right when they're about to eat it, making this creature one of the worst we've dealt with so far. They also work in service to Zeus and Erinyes to kidnap people. Often, these kidnapped people will be given to Erinyes as servants.

Etymology

The name "harpy" means "snatchers" or "swift robbers," an apt name for the evil they commit on this world.

Abilities

The hybrid version of the harpy is pretty typical in its abilities. It can scratch people with its long claws.

The demonic version of the harpy is where the beef really is in this creature. In its human form, it can charm its victims with a touch of the hand, utterly controlling them. It only wears off if the victim is away from the harpy for a long period of time. They can make humans fall asleep with a wave of their hand, but this doesn't work on other supernatural beings.

In demon form, the harpy can fly at speeds of 114 MPH. They can emit high pitch noise that destroys your eardrums. They are extremely strong in this form and are immune to most human objects. They can create fire in both forms, but it's only really useful fire in the demon form. Like, large fiery blasts!

Tale

Phineus, the king of Thrace and the brother of Pherb, was the king of Thrace. His holiness Phineus was granted the gift of foresight by Zeus, greek god and major dick, which allowed him to effectively see the future. Phineus made a promise not to abuse this power, so of course he goes and doesn't abuse the power. Wait, no, it wouldn't be a story if that was the case. Yeah, he totally abuses the power. He gives Phrixus directions and information about his upcoming journey. Zeus, the kind asshole he is, takes away Phineus's eyesight and banished him to an island, and for added measure tied him up.

Each day Zeus would put a meal in front of Phineus, and as soon as he touched it, the harpies would be sent to snatch it away. So Phineus suffered from constant hunger. Over and over, the harpies would snatch this food and eat it in front of Phineus, laughing. This is above and beyond some of the worst torture we at Of Myths & Men could possibly think of...

Eventually, Jason and the Argonauts got wind of this, and said "Aight bois, we gotta get our man Phin." (Word for word quote). So they go to the island that holds Phineus and they lay out food in front of Phineus. This time when the harpies arrive to snatch it away, J Bone and the Args go after them and murder every last one. Phineus had his revenge, but he's also still blind, so I can't imagine it was very enjoyable revenge.

Statistics

Basic human in solid physical and mental form represents about a 3 in the numbered stats.

Harpy Statistics

Strength (1-10)	4
Speed (1-10)	6
Intelligence (1-10)	3
Durability (1-10)	3
Vulnerabilities	Trap Cards, Birdfeeders
Special	Charming Touch, Transformation

View all stats

Fight Club Results

Battle	Result	Episode
vs. Medusa riding a Hellhound	Loss	11