I often wonder how myths and legends came into being. What did people of the past see, experience or hear to forge the folklore mythological tales of gods, nymphs and monsters?

Some of the most renowned creatures in Greek mythology (and not only) are the Sirens. Dangerous beings who lured passing sailors with their mesmerizing songs and voices and ultimately making them crush into the saw-tooth rocks of their island.

The hero Odysseus was curious to hear their song, and so with the advice of Circe he had all of his sailors plug their ears with beeswax and tie him to the mast of the ship. He ordered his men to leave him tied tightly there, no matter how much he might beg. When he heard their beautiful song, he ordered the sailors to untie him but they bound him tighter and eventually managed to escape the range of their song. According to some tales, the Sirens were fated to die if someone heard their singing and escaped them, and that after Odysseus managed to pass they therefore flung themselves into the water and perished.

Through my wanders in nature I have also seen myths taking shape and form.

It was a hot and humid summer night. The full moon shined brightly and its pale light illuminated everything it touched. The water’s surface made all kind of shapes and patterns as the waves moved in a rhythmic motion. It felt like we were swimming in silver, it was an otherworldly scene.

All it took was a friend’s silhouette against the moon to make the myth come alive. I grabbed the camera and a 35mm lens. I started photographing in slow shutter speeds to capture the motion of the waves. As my friend moved close to me it felt like I was washed ashore the sirens’ island. She was now approaching me to see the prey that her songs had to managed to lure in.