siren

Sirens are figures from ancient Greek mythology best known for their irresistibly beautiful songs, which lure sailors to their death. Early sources describe them as bird-like creatures with female heads, while later renderings often present them as enchanting maidens or sea-nymphs. They inhabit rocky or secluded islands and use music to entice travelers who come too close.

In Homer’s Odyssey, the sirens' song tempts away Odysseus’s crew. To survive, Odysseus orders wax-plugged ears for his companions and has himself bound to the mast so he can hear the music without yielding. By different accounts the effect of their singing varies—some traditions emphasize temptation, others the peril of curiosity.

Over centuries, the image of the siren broadened beyond myth. In medieval and Renaissance art they often become mermaid-like figures, merging with the broader motif of mermaids. In literature and modern culture, the term 'siren' can refer to any seductive or dangerous influence, and the phrase 'sirens song' signals a lure with potentially harmful consequences.

Beyond myth, siren denotes a loud warning device. Civil defense, police, fire, and medical services use air-raid and other sirens to emit a piercing alert signal. These devices can be mechanical or electronic and are designed to be heard over long distances to signal danger, evacuation, or alerts.