The New Student's Reference Work/Harpies

Harp′ies (whose name means the swift robbers), fabled creatures of Greek mythology, held to be ministers of the vengeance of the gods. Various accounts are given of their number and parentage. Homer mentions but one; later writers recognize three and call them the daughters of Poseidon or of Typhon. They are described as hideous monsters with wings, of fierce and loathsome aspect, with faces pale with hunger.