Thomas Canty Sketchbook

Page 8

     "The sirens of Greek mythology were both dangerous and desirable, feared for their fatal beauty and yet revered for their oracular power. Daughters of the river Achelous and Terpsichore (the muse of choral song), they were once the virginal handmaidens to Demeter's daughter, Persephone -- until the girl's abduction to Hell by the dark god Hades. Then the sirens shape-shifted, flocking to the island of Anthemoessa where their famous beauty took on a dark aspect and a deadly power. Nesting on a pile of human bones, the sisters sang to sun and rain; their song had the power to calm or stoke the winds, and to inflame men's loins. This music was irresistible, luring many a sailor to their shore -- where he'd pine away without food or drink, unable to break the siren's spell."

-- Terri Windling, from Sirens