Harpy, in Greek and Roman mythology, was a frightful monster that was half woman and half bird. Harpy comes from a Greek word meaning to snatch. Harpies stole food from their victims and left a dreadful smell behind them. They tormented the blind king Phineus until the sons of the north wind, who were traveling with the Argonauts, drove the Harpies away. Phineus then told the Argonauts how to pass through the Clashing Rocks (see Argonauts). According to Virgil, Aeneas also met the Harpies in his wanderings.
