Chiron’s Guide to Who’s Who in Greek Mythology

Sirens (Sī’-rens)

Monsters

Distinguishing Features: Ugly bodies, faces like vultures, beautiful singing voices. (Hey, that sounds like my elementary school choir teacher . . .)

Now: The Sirens inhabit the Sea of Monsters, where they lure sailors to their deaths by singing sweet songs, something like ‘80s Oldies radio, only worse.

Then: Back in the day, the Sirens were a real threat to the Greek shipping industry. Then a smart guy named Odysseus discovered that you could plug your ears with wax and sail right past the Sirens without hearing a thing. Strangely, Odysseus is usually remembered for his other accomplishments, not as the inventor of ear wax.