A harpy, meaning "snatcher," is a female monster from Greek mythology primarily known for stealing food from Phineas. They were also known to cause mischief, torment wrongdoers and carry souls to the underworld. They were known for their hideous appearance and smell. In earliest accounts, the harpies were not monstrous, they were simply spirits who represented windy or stormy weather, and they were depicted as beautiful young women with wings.
They had long, fair hair and the faces and upper bodies of women, but the wings, tails, legs and claws of birds of prey, with sharp talons made of metal. They were always ravenously hungry, and would steal food or even eat their victims before carrying away their souls.
The harpies could be sent by the gods, especially Zeus, Hera and Athena, to punish people and they were sometimes referred to as "the hounds of Zeus," but they could also cause problems on their own by stealing, destroying property, causing storms and kidnapping people.
To the ancient Greeks, the harpies represented the punishment that came from displeasing the gods, but they were also associated with unfairness and random bad luck. Like the winds that they originally embodied, the harpies could come out of nowhere, ruin plans and destroy people's lives. People blamed them for storms and for any small objects or items of food that mysteriously went missing.
The harpies were sisters to the Greek goddess Iris.
"Origin: Crete. The name means 'one who steals.' These monstrous birds have bodies of birds and human heads. They have a sister named Iris, the rainbow goddess. They are called spirits of death, but are also said to be spirits of storms."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE[]
"Mythical bird-creatures of Greek mythology, originating as goddesses of the island of Crete.
Harpies are women from the waist up and birds from the waist down. They are forever driven by an insatiable hunger. Their faces are pallid and twisted into permanent snarls. They are timid and averse to conflict, yet spiteful and mischievous.
Harpies are said to rule over a variety of domains, including death and storms.
The three sisters Aello, Ocypete, and Celaeno, sisters of the rainbow goddess Iris, are said to rule over the Harpies as queens."
"Spirits of the wind in Greek lore. Originally thought to be a goddess of the island of Creta. "Harpy" is the English name; the original Greek name is Harpuia. The Harpies consisted of three sisters: Aello ("storm"), Ocypete ("swift"), and Celaeno ("dark"). They are cowardly and hate fighting, but they were also spiteful and enjoyed causing trouble."
—Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey compendium
Shin Megami Tensei IV[]
"Spirits of the wind in Greek lore. Originally thought to be a goddess of the island of Creta. "Harpy" is the English name; the original Greek name is Harpuia. The Harpies consisted of three sisters: Aello ("storm"), Ocypete ("swift"), and Celaeno ("dark"). They are cowardly and hate fighting, but they were also spiteful and enjoyed causing trouble."
"Spirits of the wind in Greek lore. Originally thought to be a goddess of the island of Crete. "Harpy" is the English name; the original Greek name is Harpuia. The Harpies consisted of three sisters: Aello ("storm"), Ocypete ("swift"), and Celaeno ("dark"). They were cowardly and hate fighting, but they were also spiteful and enjoyed causing trouble."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium
Harpy can be found throughout the majority of the areas of Ginza. She can teach the Bind Voice, Zanma, Posumudi and Sukunda skills through her Demon Whisper. Harpy benefits from learning Force, ailment and healing skills.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin[]
Harpies are first seen in the game upon the party's first encounter with Joker, during which he summons them while in a brief skirmish with the party. Harpies will start making regular appearances upon reaching the Zodiac club.
Harpy is also the first Persona of the Temperance Arcana. She can be summoned as soon as 20 Temperance Arcana Tarot Cards have been obtained.
Shin Megami Tensei: DeviChil[]
Lala the Harpy appears in episode 13.
DemiKids Light & Dark[]
"Winged demon with a lovely voice that can sway the loyalty of an opponent."
Temperance
.png "Lala the Harpy (full body view).png (129 KB)")
