Strofades

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Strofades (in Greek Strofadhes; in Latin Strophades; also Stamphane Islands; Strivali) is a small group of Greek islands in the Ionian Islands. They lie about 50 km south-southeast of the island of Zakynthos. The 2001 Greek census showed a population of 58 inhabitants. Administratively they are part of the Municipality of Zakynthos.

Composed of two small islands, Stamfani and Arpia, they lie 72 miles south of Zakynthos. They are both sparsely vegetated and rocky. The islands currently belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, which has prohibited hunting on the island. There is a strong avian presence on the islands. Species include Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) and migratory passerines. There is also a large spring migration of Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur).

The Strofades in Culture

As the Strophades, they were identified as the dwelling-place of the Harpies. Virgil states that the Harpies drove the Trojans from the Strophades (Aeneid iii, 209 passim.). The islands are mentioned in The Divine Comedy (see List of cultural references in The Divine Comedy).

According to legend, the islands' name, meaning "Islands of Turning," refers to Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas, who voyaged with the Argonauts. Zetes and Calais rescued Phineas from the Harpies. They succeeded in driving the monsters away but did not kill them, as a request from the goddess of the rainbow, Iris, who promised that Phineas would not be bothered by the Harpies again. They were turned back at the Strophades by Iris while continuing their pursuit of the creatures.

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Last updated on Friday October 19, 2007 at 00:31:15 PDT (GMT -0700)
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