Sirens were monsters with human heads and bird bodies in ancient Greek mythology.
Their other name was the Acherousides, meaning: the children of the river god Acheron.
These sea-dwelling Sirens were said to be daughters of the river god Acheron, beautiful nymphs born from his blood.
But after losing a music contest to the Muse goddesses, they were punished: their wings were stripped, rendering them flightless ever after.
Thus, bereft of wings, the Sirens could only prowl near coastlines.
They often transformed into mermaids, using their music to lure passing sailors to their doom.
Thus, heed this: though their forms were beautiful and their songs enchantingly sweet.
Never listen to their voices, and certainly do not lose your way in their melodies!
For to do so invites devouring by them, your remains whitening the island's shores!
At the same time, they frequently appeared in Greek mythic tales.
Most famously in Jason's Golden Fleece quest and Odysseus's homeward journey.
Thus, the Argo's heroes meeting them was all but fated.
When Queen of the Seas Amphitrite suggested they lure Jason and his crew, Hera naturally approved at once.
However...
As the skies cleared once more, Amphitrite and Hera stood upon the waves.
Amphitrite watched the ship reach the island's edge, stealing a glance at Hera beside her. An odd smile crept onto her refined features.
Yes, the Sirens were indeed a major sea peril, having devoured countless sailors and sunk countless vessels with their songs.
But they posed no threat to Jason!
...
"Where is this place?"
As all grew calm once more, the Argo's heroes gathered on deck, beholding the storm's passing and the seamless blend of sea and sky. All sighed in relief.
Though the gale could not shake this goddess-forged Argo, the ocean's furious roar had weighed heavily on them.
Then, naturally, they turned to Captain Jason with questions.
"Hey, look ahead: there's a small island. Shall we go ashore and see?"
At the same time, sharp-eyed ones spotted the lovely isle nearby and excitedly proposed.
Jason turned his head toward the island, furrowing his brows to refuse.
When suddenly a wondrous song rang in all ears.
The voice was clearly that of a beautiful woman, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Only Jason, hearing this familiar melody, paused briefly.
"Not good! Everyone, cover your ears quickly!"
At this moment, a hero aboard paled dramatically and roared to all: "Listen, the storm must have carried us to the domain of the sea demons, the Sirens! The Sirens are a fearsome band of sea demons who use song to bewitch us, then hunt us like prey!"
Hearing this, everyone's faces changed drastically.
"Let's leave at once, Jason!"
Even Heracles's expression grew grave as he urged Jason.
"No, it's probably too late."
Atalanta said, drawing her bow.
She turned, aiming at a beautiful woman who had surfaced in the sea!
"They've already marked us!"
As she spoke, more and more beautiful women appeared on the waves, like mermaids emerging one by one.
Singing lovely songs, tempting the heroes aboard.
"No, we cannot continue like this; even plugging our ears does not block their voices!"
Heracles came before Jason and said: "Jason, let's accelerate and break out of this peril!"
"Yes, too dangerous; let's go now!"
"Not good, he's bewitched by the Sirens and jumping into the sea; quick, pull him back!"
Splash... someone leaped overboard.
Thus, the scene grew increasingly chaotic. Though the ship spirit had received no order from Jason, she prepared to propel the Argo away.
When the bewitching song... suddenly halted.
As one Siren abruptly ceased singing, the others gazed at her in puzzlement, following her wide-eyed stare.
To the golden-haired, blue-eyed youth.
More and more Sirens then stopped their songs, widening their eyes to behold him.
Beholding Jason...
Though now, Jason had shed his white garb.
But back then, these Sirens had spent a full week with Jason!
Jason smiled at them, and under the stunned gazes of Heracles, Theseus, and the others, he turned and strode quickly to the ship's lowest rail.
Atalanta lowered her bow and swiftly followed.
Though Atalanta did not know what had happened or why the Sirens had suddenly stopped singing, she thought... habit.
And as Jason reached the railing, with the Sirens converging alongside his movement.
They gazed at him a moment, then their faces bloomed with extraordinarily beautiful smiles.
???
The crowd aboard was utterly baffled; Hera was utterly baffled.
Just as Jason seemed poised for humiliation—Hera even planning to fish him out later and press on with her torment.
What twist was this!
Amphitrite struggled to keep her expression neutral, but the mirth in her eyes could not be hidden, especially at Hera's baffled reaction, nearly drawing outright laughter.
Back then, when Jason sought the lyre, he had chanced upon Amphitrite, who patiently taught him for a week.
And during that week, those who dueled Jason in song were precisely these Sirens!
Even as Jason departed, they had reluctantly bestowed blessings upon him.
Jason was the first to receive their blessings!
"This... what is going on!"
Hera widened her eyes, pointing at the scene and asking Amphitrite beside her.
Amphitrite forced a troubled, bewildered look and said to Hera: "I am not certain either; perhaps... they have taken a liking to that child."
"Ha, taken a liking to that Jason? How could..."
Hera started to say it was impossible, but seeing the Sirens' joyful faces at Jason, and Jason's own smile.
Seeing him, golden-haired and blue-eyed, bathed in sunlight.
Hera found she... could not utter those insincere words.
"He is my friend."
Jason pointed to the hero who had just splashed overboard from the ship and said to the Sirens before him: "Could you return him to me?"
"Of course."
The eldest among the Sirens swam closer, winking at Jason. She said: "But on one condition... cute little one, could you tell us your name now?"
Back then, Jason had not revealed his name upon leaving.
After all, until the very end, they had pondered how to devour him; it was Jason's final kindness that conquered them.
"Of course, beautiful water nymphs. My name is Jason."
"Then... could you play the lyre for us again?"
The Sirens gazed at Jason expectantly.
"This..." Jason hesitated, for playing now would expose him.
After all, Jason knew this was surely Hera's doing; she must be watching from the shadows!
Thus, in the end, he shook his head to the Sirens. As their eyes dimmed in disappointment.
"But if you do not mind, I would gladly sing for you... though my singing is poor, so please do not laugh at me!"
Then Jason softly sang a ballad, its melody precisely the one the Sirens sang.
Though not as enchanting as theirs, it filled them with even greater delight.
Thus, a wondrous scene unfolded.
The Argo pressed onward.
These nymphs called Sirens accompanied its advance, encircling it and singing lovely songs in unison.
Though their voices still held magic, they were no longer bewitching charms but soothing melodies that eased the soul.
Jason's voice mingled among them; though not as fine as theirs, it drew playful laughter from them.
But this only made them sing with greater vigor...
For such a scene, forget Hera the Queen of the Gods being unable to accept it.
Most aboard the Argo could not accept it either, including Heracles and Theseus.
And seeing this, the most nonchalant Atalanta uttered a classic line.
"You'll get used to it."
...
Come, our heroes,
Please pause and heed our song!
No ship sails past the lovely Isle of Sirens
Unless the helmsman hears our wondrous melody.
Our sweet songs bring joy and wisdom,
Guiding you safely on your voyage.
The Siren nymphs know full well the Trojan plains,
Where gods made heroes taste life's toils.
Our wisdom shines like sun and moon o'er all,
Knowing well the wars and loves of men.
...
The Sirens sang, bestowing blessings on Jason's journey.
Incidentally blessing the Argo and its heroes as well.
Until the ship departed the vicinity of Siren Isle; only then did the Sirens cease their song, waving farewell to Jason and his crew as they sailed afar, before returning to the island.
"Ahem, though a mishap occurred, it changes little!"
Queen of the Seas Amphitrite, seeing Hera's depressed look, though inwardly chuckling, held back and encouraged: "Next, those fools will not fare so smoothly, for ahead lies Lemnos Isle, home to a band of women who harbor grudges against men—women only.
There, they are sure to face hardship and setback!"