Images of the mythical birds Sirin and Alkonost are well represented in Old Russian literary compilations and Old Russian art. Sirin, a bird that lives in heaven, and Alkonost, a bird that lives near the Euphrates, frequently fly to earth, where they sing wonderful songs, promising people heavenly bliss. Upon listening to them, a person drifts into perpetual sleep, and unnoticingly makes the transition from earthly life to eternal life. According to tradition, the Sirin is turned to the left and depicted without arms, and the Alkonost is oriented to the right and is depicted with arms.