Owls and howls

"ἔλεος" ≈ "pity, mercy, compassion"
"ἐλεός" ≈ "kind of owl"
"ἐλεός" ≈ "kitchen table, dresser"

The ancient Greek word "ἔλεος" ≈ "pity, mercy, compassion" and appears to be related to "ἐλελεῦ" ≈ "woe, alas" (as a cry of pain) and would be often used twice in succession.

Note: An extended variation is reported as being used as a war cry, so not all uses appear to be "merciful".

What was the previous mascot name of the Kennesaw State Owls?

About1993, the unofficial Hooters nickname ceased to be used. The Hooters restaurant started in 1983.

The modern Greek word "έλεος" (EH-leh-os) ≈ "mercy, pity".

The English word "owl" comes from the sound of an owl, though not repeated is in some other languages. The German word "Uhu" ≈ "owl" but was originally more like "huhu" as in "who who".

The modern Greek word "ελεός" (eh-leh-OS) ≈ "owl". In English, one imitates an owl with the saying "who, who", somewhat similar to the Greek.

Leviticus 11:17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, [kjv]

και νυκτικορακα και καταρρακτην και ιβιν [lxx]

One could think of saying this with some sympathy or concern and one can get an idea of "mercy" or "pity".

The Latin word "ulula" ≈ "owl, cry in jubilation or lamentation" which appears to have an onomatopoeic origin.
The modern Greek word "ολολύζω" (o-lo-LEE-zo) ≈ "cry in jubilation or lamentation" and has an onomatopoeic origin.

Leviticus 11:17

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KJV: And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl,

Hebrew: ואת הכוס ואת השלך ואת הינשוף׃

Greek: και νυκτικορακα και καταρρακτην και ιβιν

Latin: bubonem et mergulum et ibin

Wycliffe: an owle, and dippere, and ibis;

Luther: das Käuzlein, den Schwan, den Huhu,

James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. [kjv]

αγε νυν οι πλουσιοι κλαυσατε ολολυζοντες επι ταις ταλαιπωριαις υμων ταις επερχομεναις [gnt]

James 5:1

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KJV: Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

Greek: αγε νυν οι πλουσιοι κλαυσατε ολολυζοντες επι ταις ταλαιπωριαις υμων ταις επερχομεναις

Latin: age nunc divites plorate ululantes in miseriis quae advenient vobis

Wycliffe: Do now, ye riche men, wepe ye, yellinge in youre wretchidnessis that schulen come to you.

Luther: Wohlan nun, ihr Reichen, weinet und heulet über euer Elend, das über euch kommen wird!

Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. [kjv]

ολολυζετε εγγυς γαρ η ημερα κυριου και συντριβη παρα του θεου ηξει [lxx]

Isaiah 13:6

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KJV: Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Hebrew: הילילו כי קרוב יום יהוה כשד משדי יבוא׃

Greek: ολολυζετε εγγυς γαρ η ημερα κυριου και συντριβη παρα του θεου ηξει

Latin: ululate quia prope est dies Domini quasi vastitas a Domino veniet

Wycliffe: Yelle ye, for the dai of the Lord is niy; as wastyng it schal come of the Lord.

Luther: Heulet, denn des Herrn Tag ist nahe; er kommt wie eine Verwüstung vom Allmächtigen.

Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste. [kjv]

ολολυζετε πλοια καρχηδονος οτι απωλετο το οχυρωμα υμων [lxx]

Isaiah 23:14

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KJV: Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

Hebrew: הילילו אניות תרשיש כי שדד מעזכן׃

Greek: ολολυζετε πλοια καρχηδονος οτι απωλετο το οχυρωμα υμων

Latin: ululate naves maris quia devastata est fortitudo vestra

Wycliffe: Yelle, ye schippis of the see, for youre strengthe is distried.

Luther: Heulet, ihr Schiffe auf dem Meer; denn eure Macht ist zerstöret.

A more threating bird sound is used as "woe" in the Bible and in Revelation.

This is repeated three times rather than the two times mentioned above for "mercy".

Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! [kjv]

και ειδον και ηκουσα ενος αετου πετομενου εν μεσουρανηματι λεγοντος φωνη μεγαλη ουαι ουαι ουαι τους κατοικουντας επι της γης εκ των λοιπων φωνων της σαλπιγγος των τριων αγγελων των μελλοντων σαλπιζειν [gnt]

The word repeated three times in Revelation 8:13 the ancient Greek word "οὐαί" ≈ "woe, alas". The Greek word, and the English word to some extent, is onomatopoeic in that, if one thinks of eagles (or vultures) lurking overhead ready to feast making a screeching sound as they swoop one gets an idea of the meaning. Unlike "Holy, holy, holy", there does not appear to be any popular hymn with the title "woe, woe, woe".

What is a song that uses "woe" three times? Hint: Sung by a cartoon character.

Elmer Fudd: Row, row, row your boat.

More: Words repeated thrice in the GNT

More: Song: Holy, Holy, Holy

More: Eagles and woeful eagle sounds