What is half woman half bird?

In mythology and folklore, there are several creatures depicted as half woman half bird. One of the most famous is the Greek figure of the Harpy, which had the head and torso of a woman but the wings, talons, and sometimes feathers of a bird. Harpies were often depicted as fierce, vengeful creatures who punished wrongdoers.

In Norse mythology, there is the Valkyrie, which is also sometimes depicted as a half woman half bird creature. Valkyries were warrior women who rode winged horses into battle and chose which slain warriors would go to Valhalla.

In Hindu mythology, there is a creature called the Gandharva, which is a celestial being that is half human and half bird, with the upper body of a man and lower body of a bird. Gandharvas are said to have beautiful singing voices and are often depicted as musicians.

Another creature that falls into this category is the Siren from Greek mythology, which is often portrayed as a half woman half bird or half fish creature. Sirens were known for their seductive singing voices, which would lure sailors to their deaths on rocky shores.

Overall, the half woman half bird creature is a common motif in mythologies and folklore from around the world, often representing a combination of human and animal qualities or embodying specific cultural beliefs and ideas.