The Harpy and the Witch

Witches and harpies appear as parallels in the oldest known texts. Both have legends spanning centuries and take pride of place in Shakespeare’s plays. Although they share many traits — the feminine, a duality of horror and adoration, seemingly unbridled power, darkness in both attire and characterisation — the Witch has ascended to a higher mythological plane than the harpy. I also worked with a photographer to source my own images for this article.