In Greek Mythology, What Were the Stymphalian Birds?
The Stymphalian birds were a crew of tough customers belonging to Ares, the Greek god of war. These birds were apparently extremely vicious and unpleasant, and they were ultimately eradicated from Greece by the hero Hercules, as part of his 12 labors, a series of challenging tasks which he undertook as an act of atonement. Fortunately for the Greeks, Hercules managed to successfully permanently rout the birds, and they have not returned since. Several things made the Stymphalian birds rather distinctive. The first was their sharp metal feathers, which could be hurled by the birds like spears. The birds also had heavy brass claws, and poisonous poop. They also had a predilection for human flesh, although most legends said that they would settle for livestock such as cattle in a pinch. To say the least, it would seem that Ares had unusual taste in pets.
