(Greek: ἅρπυια, “snatchers”). In Greek mythology, the harpies were wind spirits. They were said to steal food from their victims while they were eating and carry evildoers away for punishment. They were depicted as winged women, sometimes with ugly faces, or with the lower bodies of birds. Web resources here and here.

Panel with harpies and falconry scenes, from the Church of the Blood of Christ, Llíria, Spain. Gothic. 13th century. Llíria Archaeological Museum. Photo: Jerónimo Roure Pérez.