The Different Between Siren, Mermaid, and Harpy

In Greek mythology, Siren, Mermaid, and Harpy are similar creatures that are often confused with each other. They are all dangerous creatures that lure sailors to their watery graves. However, they have some very distinct differences. Let’s take a closer look at difference between siren vs mermaid vs harpy.

What are sirens?

In Greek mythology, sirens were creatures with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. They were said to lure sailors to their death with their singing voices, and they were often associated with the dangers of the sea. The most famous story about sirens comes from Homer’s Odyssey, in which Odysseus and his men encounter these creatures on their journey home from the Trojan War.

What are mermaids?

Mermaids are creatures with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. Like sirens, they are often associated with the sea and they are known for their beauty and singing voices. Unlike sirens, however, mermaids are not necessarily dangerous. In some stories, they are kind and helpful creatures, while in others they are more neutral.

What are harpies?

In Greek mythology, harpies are creatures with the body of a woman and the wings of a vulture. They are associated with stormy weather and were said to feast on the flesh of humans. The most famous story about harpies is  probably the one in which they torment the character Prometheus.

Siren vs mermaid vs harpy

The first difference is in their appearance. Siren are beautiful women with the body of a bird and are often depicted with wings. They lure sailors to their death with their sweet singing voices. Mermaids are also beautiful women but with the tail of a fish instead of wings. And lastly, harpies are females with the body of a bird and the head of a woman. They, too, can lure sailors to their death but use their shrill screams instead of singing voices. 

The second difference is in how they kill their victims. Siren lure sailors to their island, where they then eat them alive. Mermaids lure sailors to their watery graves, where they then drown them. Harpies torture their victims by tearing them apart limb from limb before eating them. 

The third and final difference is in power level. Siren is often described as being exclusively handmaidens or servants of Poseidon or Aphrodite. Mermaids have Power over storms and can cause great danger to ships caught in bad weather conditions if angered. Harpies are considered some of the most feared creatures in all of the Greek mythology due to being almost impossible to kill and because they feast on human flesh. 

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, Siren, Mermaids, and Harpies are all similar creatures from Greek mythology that often get confused for one another because they share some similarities, such as being able to lure sailors to their watery graves. However, they have some distinct differences, such as in appearance, how they kill victims, and power level, which make them unique creatures in their own right.