Scylla

Origin: Ancient Greek & Roman mythology

Combination: human + dog + fish

Classification: Fish

Other Names: Skylla, Skúlla

Associations: sea, Odysseus, Calabria

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Scylla is a legendary creature that is typically described as having the upper body of a woman with a twisted and grotesque appearance, and a lower body that is a mix of a cluster of fearsome dog-like heads and serpentine tentacles. According to ancient Greek texts, she was once a beautiful nymph, but her life took a tragic turn when she was transformed into a hideous sea monster.

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In Greek mythology, Scylla's transformation was the result of a curse or punishment inflicted upon her, often attributed to the jealousy or wrath of a deity. Her monstrous form became a cautionary tale, warning mortals of the dangers and consequences of hubris or meddling with the gods.

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Scylla is said to have resided in a narrow strait opposite the whirlpool Charybdis, creating a treacherous and dangerous passage for sailors. Ships that ventured too close to her would be snatched by her many heads or tentacles, dragging the crew down into the depths of the sea. She was known for her insatiable appetite for human flesh and was feared by sailors who navigated the waters where she dwelled.

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Scylla's terrifying presence and her role as a maritime hazard have made her a prominent figure in Greek mythology, appearing in various tales and accounts of seafaring adventures, including those of Odysseus. She represents the unpredictable and dangerous forces of the natural world, a constant threat to those who dared to navigate the seas she guarded.