Alcyonides

Daughters of the Gigante Alcyoneus, commonly numbered seven (named in some sources as Alkippe, Anthe, Asteria, Drimo, Methone, Pallene and Phthonia/Chthonia), the Alcyonides appear in the cycle of myths around Heracles. When Heracles slew Alcyoneus, the daughters leapt into the sea from Kanastraion (the peak of Pellene) in despair; the sea-goddess Amphitrite transformed them into halcyons (kingfishers). Their story is preserved in literary summaries and local toponymy, notably the Alkyonides islets in the Corinthian Gulf.

As human figures the sources identify them only as the daughters (nymph-like young women) of Alcyoneus without detailed individual physiognomy. Classical and classicalizing sources consistently report their transformed appearance as halcyons—kingfisher birds—after Amphitrite's intervention. Some modern summaries inconsistently render them as 'ice birds,' but primary classical-oriented sources specify kingfishers/halcyons.

Sources record only their metamorphosis: following their suicide/throwing themselves into the sea they were changed into kingfisher birds by Amphitrite. No independent supernatural powers, hostile capabilities, or recurring magical actions are attested in the supplied sources; their transformation is a divine act rather than an exhibited ability.