A-Z: General definitions: Furies

Definition

They were goddesses of retribution, who avenged murder and other violent crimes, especially within families. Some authorities say they were born when drops of Uranus' blood fell on Gaia (Earth) when his genitals were cut off by Cronos. Aeschylus says they were the daughters of Nyx (Night). There were said to be three of them, later given the names of Megaera, Tisiphone and Alecto; they pursued their victims, driving them into madness. In an attempt to appease them, they were given names such as Eumenides, which means the kindly ones.

Related Topics

Gaia; Cronos

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