The mythologically-themed word of the day is

Siren [sahy-ruhn] Sirens were women-bird creatures of Greek mythology whose singing seduced men and drew them to their death. Now, a siren either behaves seductively or warns of imminent danger.

Among the ancient Greek heroes, Odysseus and Orpheus had unique ways of dealing with the Sirens: See Greek Heroes Picture Gallery.

Also see

• Flower Name Meanings
• Etymology of Geometry Terms
• English Words With Latin Prefixes
• More Words From Latin in English
• Words and Ideas
• Roots of English Words: Confusing Greek and Latin Pairs

A prolific writer of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, the classical scholar Robert Graves lived from July 24, 1895 – December 7, 1985. For fans of ancient history and the classics, Robert Graves is probably best known as the author of the I, Claudius books or the TV series based on them or as the author of a two-volume work on Greek mythology. Born in the UK, Graves served in WWI and then attended Oxford. The first I, Claudius book was published in 1934; its sequel, Claudius the God, the following year. Graves published The White Goddess in 1948 and The Greek Myths in 1955. Other works relevant to the period covered by this site include King Jesus, an historical novel published in 1946, The Hebrew Myths, in 1964, and Count Belisarius, in 1938. There are more.

More information on Robert Graves:

• Robert Graves' I, Claudius
• Robert Graves Biography (From About.com's European History Guide)
• Was Robert Graves a Scholar? (Forum Discussion)