Mnemosyne — Classical Greek Myth Library

On the Thracian (or Bithynian) coast near the Bosporus lived Phineus, a blind prophet. Traditions differ on why he was punished: he had revealed the gods’ plans too freely, or mistreated his sons by Cleopatra daughter of Boreas at a stepmother’s urging. Whatever the cause, Zeus (or the gods) had blinded him and sent the Harpies—foul, snatching bird-women—to rob or defile every meal, so that he starved among plenty. When the Argonauts landed, Phineus promised them crucial counsel for the voyage if they would free him. The winged Boreads, Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas and brothers to Cleopatra, pursued the Harpies through the air when next they struck. In Apollonius they overtake the creatures over the Floating Islands (Strophades); Iris intervenes, forbidding the Boreads to kill the Harpies, and swears that the Harpies will never again trouble Phineus. The pursuers turn back (the islands are “Turning Islands” from that wheel-about). Phineus feasts at last and prophesies for Jason: they must pass the Symplegades (Cyanean Rocks) by sending a dove ahead; if the dove survives, they are to row with all strength as the rocks reopen; Athena will help. He also sketches later stages of the route toward Colchis. Apollodorus’s version is close: Boreads chase the Harpies; in one strand they kill them or drive them off; Phineus then tells of the rocks and the dove test. The episode supplies the voyage’s navigational key and redeems Phineus through the same North-Wind lineage that once tied him to Cleopatra.