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In
Greek mythology, one of three sea nymphs, who were transformed into birdlike
creatures with the faces (and sometimes bodies) of women by Demeter because
they did not interfere when Demeter's daughter Peresphone was abducted by
Hades. The
Sirens inhabited an island surrounded by dangerous rocks. They sang so
enchantingly that all who heard were drawn near and shipwrecked. Jason and the
Argonauts were saved from them by the music of Orpheus, whose songs were
lovelier. Odysseus escaped them by having himself tied securely to a mast and
by stopping the ears of his men. With
noise people would try to scare these birds away by beating drums, blow horns,
fire cannons, and ringing large church bells. The loud noises would frighten
the Siren birds that would leave earth and head back to their heavenly
dwelling.
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