Ocypete
One of the three Harpies, swiftest of the trio.
Ocypete, whose name in Ancient Greek (Ὠκυπέτη) translates to "swift wing," was one of the three Harpies of Greek myth. She also went by Ocypode (Ὠκυπόδη, "swift foot") or Ocythoe (Ὠκυθόη, "swift runner"). The Harpies were typically said to be the offspring of the sea god Thaumas and the Oceanid Electra. Her fellow Harpies were Aello (also called Podarge) and Celaeno, while other siblings included Iris, and possibly Arke and Hydaspes. Alternative traditions made the Harpies the children of Typhoeus, of Pontus (Sea) and Gaea (Earth), or of the sea god Poseidon.
In one tale, the Harpies were pursued by the Boreads. Although Ocypete was the fastest of the three, she grew tired, came to rest on an island in the middle of the ocean, and pleaded with the gods for mercy. In both Greek and Roman mythology, the Harpies served as agents of the higher gods, carrying out punishments for various crimes.
- Name
- Ocypete
- Also known as
- Ocypode, Ocythoe
- Species
- Harpy
- Parents (one account)
- Thaumas and Electra
- Siblings
- Aello (Podarge), Celaeno, Iris, and possibly Arke and Hydaspes
- Other possible progenitors
- Typhoeus, Pontus and Gaea, or Poseidon
Lore & Background
According to one story, the Harpies were chased by the Boreads. Though the swiftest of the trio, Ocypete became exhausted, landed on an island in the middle of the ocean and begged for mercy from the gods. In Greek and Roman mythology, the Harpies were creatures employed by the higher gods to carry out punishments for crimes.
Reader's Guide
Ocypete is notable as one of the three Harpies in Greek mythology, distinguished by her epithets emphasizing speed: 'swift wing', 'swift foot', and 'swift runner'. The source article presents multiple conflicting accounts of the Harpies' parentage: they are most commonly the daughters of Thaumas and Electra, but are also said to be offspring of Typhoeus, of Pontus and Gaea, or of Poseidon. This uncertainty reflects the fluid nature of mythological tradition. Ocypete's role in myth is illustrated by a single story: pursued by the Boreads, she—though the swiftest—grew exhausted, landed on an island, and begged the gods for mercy. This episode underscores the Harpies' function as agents of divine punishment, as they were employed by higher gods to carry out retribution for crimes. The inclusion of Iris and possibly Arke and Hydaspes among her siblings further connects the Harpies to the broader divine family of sea and sky deities. Ocypete's legacy lies in her embodiment of swift, relentless punishment, yet also in her vulnerability, as even the fastest harpy could be overcome.
Did You Know?
- Ocypete's name means 'swift wing' in Ancient Greek.
- She was also known as Ocypode ('swift foot') or Ocythoe ('swift runner').
- According to one story, she was chased by the Boreads and begged for mercy on an island.
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