In Greek mythology, sirens inhabited islands with flowery meadows. They lured sailors to shipwreck by singing enchanting music. In the Odyssey, the Sirens are said to offer "knowledge...ripe wisdom and a quickening of the spirit" in the words of their song. The end of the song meant death.
Sirens were sometimes confused with mermaids, but mythology teaches that they are not maidens of the sea. Once Christian beliefs dissuaded a belief in literal sirens, this creature came to symbolize worldly temptations.
beauty to bewitch men coasting by;
woe to the innocent who hears that sound!
He will not see his lady nor his children
in joy, crowding about him, home from sea;
the Sirens will sing his mind away
on their sweet meadow lolling.
-Song of the Siren, Odyssey, Homer
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