Читать книгу The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A–Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic - John Matthews - Страница 136

An alternative name for the Harpies of Greek mythology, said to derive from the cries they made. Areyiai translates as ‘Slicer’ or ‘Tearer’, giving a clear indication of the kind of creature this was. Originally, they were goddesses of the wind, as the meaning of the word Harpy – ‘to transport’ or ‘to snatch’ – suggests. Certainly they are unpleasant creatures, with hag-like faces, pendulous breasts, bear’s ears and bat wings.