Historiae Romanorum

Sirens

The Sirens are either two or three bird-like women who dwell on the island of Anthemoessa, which was west of Italy.  The women would sing an enchanting song, which lured sailors to the island where they would waste away, forgetful of their homes and families.

Jason and the Argonauts manage to pass by the sirens safely thanks to Orpheus, who drowned out their song with his lyre.  Odysseus and his crew managed to pass, by stuffing wax in the ears of the crew, and lashing Odysseus himself to the mast.

Source(s):

1. Appollonius Rhodius.  Argonautica.

2. Homer.  Odyssey.

This page was last updated on July 21, 2004.