The lamia have been described in many ways, primarily as serpent women,
beautiful humans from the waist up, with serpent tails. Lamia are thought
of as either witches or as evil monsters. They lack the ability to speak,
instead making a whistling sound that is musical, beguiling travelers in
order to devour them. They prey on young men and children, drinking their
blood. The lamia inhabit the deserts of Africa. Their remote origin was
divine, having sprung from Lamia, one of the many loves of Zeus.
A beautiful woman, she attracted Zeus and bore him children. A jealous
Hera stole the children. As Lamia was unable to harm the goddess,
she turned herself into the cannibalistic monster and vowed to kill any
human child she could entice with her power. Zeuse also granted her
the ability to remove her eyes at will.
Philostratus recorded the story of Lycius. Lycius married a beautiful,
seductive woman. Apollonius recognized the bride as a lamia, who
promptly left in a disappointed rage.
Lamia is also the name of a cruel queen who was turned into an ironclad
monster with two cow's feet and two cat's claws, with a flowing tail, while
retaining her own head and breasts. This lamia was said to be swifter than
any other creature. This cruel, treacherous creature was also fond of devouring
children.
In medieval Europe, witches were often called lamiae.