Phineus and the Harpies
The Argonauts rescue the blind prophet Phineus from the Harpies, and he gives them guidance for the dangerous journey ahead.
The Story
During their voyage toward Colchis, the Argonauts encountered the blind prophet Phineus.
Phineus possessed knowledge granted by the gods, but his gift had brought punishment.
Ancient traditions give different reasons for his suffering.
The Harpies descended whenever food was placed before him.
They carried much of it away and spoiled what remained.
Phineus therefore lived in continual hunger.
Among the Argonauts were Zetes and Calais, the winged sons of Boreas.
When the Harpies attacked again, the brothers pursued them through the air.
The chase ended the creatures' persecution of Phineus.
In gratitude, the prophet gave the Argonauts vital information about the journey ahead.
Most importantly, he warned them about the Symplegades.
These were enormous rocks that crashed together whenever anything attempted to pass between them.
Phineus told the Argonauts how they could test the passage before risking the Argo.
His rescue therefore became directly connected with the survival of the expedition.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The episode links prophecy, the Boreads and the Harpies directly to the Argonauts' successful passage through the Symplegades.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient sources differ over why Phineus was punished, whether the Harpies were killed or merely driven away, and how their pursuit ended.