Facts About Greek Stymphalian Birds

The Stymphalian Birds are monsters from the myths of ancient Greece, and appear in both the story of Hercules' labors and in the tale of Jason and the Argonauts. Facts about these creatures are sometimes subject to debate since a number of different accounts concerning the Stymphalian Birds exist. In some stories for example, the creatures are actual birds but possess brass wings, while in others they're women with bird feet.

Origins

The travel writer Pausanias, researching in the second century, thought the origins of the mythical Stymphalian birds lay in what was then Arabia. The Arabian Desert was home to a breed of birds known for their exceptional fierceness and power; these were referred to by locals as the Stymphalian birds. Pausanias wrote about how these birds were similar to cranes, but possessed strong, straight beaks, which could pierce the armor worn by soldiers. Pausanias also remarked that marble statues found at a temple in Stymphalos showed maidens with the legs of birds, giving another clue to the origins of the birds found in myth.

Appearances

The Stymphalian birds were generally described in one of a few ways. According to one legend, these birds appeared like young women with the feet of birds, and possessed wings with sharpened points, used to impale people they charged at in battle. These maiden birds also had the ability to lure people into traps by singing at them, much like the Sirens, another mythical creature, did. Another interpretation casts the Stymphalian birds more literally as birds of prey, with brass wings that could fire feathers as missiles, and bronze beaks.

Hercules Encounter

The most famous reference to the Stymphalian birds comes in the myth of Hercules, who, as part of his twelve labors, was sent to chase off the Stymphalian birds. Hercules found the birds in a stretch of woodland near the lake of Stymphalis, in Arkadia, Greece. Depending on the version of the myth, Hercules either used bronze clappers or an instrument to replicate bird noise, which caused the birds to leave the trees in fright. Hercules then either fired arrows at the birds, or allowed them to flee, depending again on the version of the myth.

Argonauts Encounter

The mythical Greek hero Jason and his companions, the Argonauts, also encountered the Stymphalian Birds on a secluded island in the Black Sea. The birds attacked the travelers by dropping bronze feathers on their heads, killing one Argonaut and injuring another. The Argonauts fought back by creating loud noises using their shields and swords, while also utilizing their shields to protect themselves against the feather bombardment.

Religious Connections

The Stymphalian birds are associated with two gods, namely Ares, Greek god of war, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Ares was said to provide the birds with protection, and in return the birds did his bidding. Images of the birds were also found in temples dedicated to Artemis.

References

• Crystal Links: Twelve Labors of Hercules
• Theoi.com; Stymphalides; Aaron J. Atsma
• "Description of Greece"; Pausanias, translated by W.H.S. Jones; 1918
• Myth Beasts: Stymphalian Birds
• Roman Colosseum.info; 12 Labors of Hercules; 2008
• Timeless Myths: Stymphalian Birds