Tuesday 23 August 2011

The Spell Of The Sirens

FaerieKat

Although Sirens are often associated with mermaids and undines, the myth finds it's origins in ancient Greece. There, Sirens were depicted as island dwelling bird maidens that used their enchanting songs to lure unsuspecting sailors to their deaths. As time passed Sirens transformed into beautiful enchantresses. They developed fins and tails and merged with the mermaid myth that we know and love today.


SusanSchroderArts

In the Greek saga The Odyssey, Odysseus, taking the advice of a witch, urged his men to plug their ears with beeswax before venturing into the dangerous waters ruled by Poseidon.  Odysseus himself wished to hear the beautiful Siren's song and ordered his men bind him to the mast so he could not be drawn in by their enchantment. It worked.  However, when Odysseus heard their voices he was seduced and driven temporally mad. While he strained at his bindings, the Sirens swam around the boat.  Unaffected, his men were able to guide the ship to safety.  In the end they survived the ordeal that had claimed so many sailors before them.  


Rainwaterstudios

The Etsy Fae Team has taken inspiration from the myth of the Sirens and created the new exhibition Siren Song. As part of the collaboration they share their inspirations and imagination, displaying art, craft and gift ware from their own shops.

All links for their work can be found on the exhibition page here.  You can also find links for the pictures I have featured in my blog.


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