FURIES Meaning and
Definition
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Furies, also known as the Erinyes in Greek mythology, refer to a group of three goddesses who personify vengeance and punish those who commit crimes, especially against family members. According to ancient Greek beliefs, the Furies were born from the spilled blood of the primordial deity Uranus when he was castrated by his son Cronus. The three main Furies were named Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone.
Often depicted as haggard, snakelike-haired women, the Furies are described as representing three psychological aspects of vengeance: jealousy, envy, and wrath. They were tasked with tormenting and pursuing those who had committed crimes, particularly against their own kin. The Furies' relentless pursuit and punishment of wrongdoers were seen as a necessary force in maintaining justice and order in society.
In Greek literature and mythology, the Furies are frequently called upon by offended parties or gods to seek vengeance and dispense justice. They were known to induce madness in individuals, driving them to act irrationally or commit heinous crimes. In addition to their association with punishment, the Furies were also revered as protectors of the sanctity of oaths and familial bonds. Temples and altars dedicated to them existed in various Greek cities.
Overall, the Furies are emblematic of the Greek belief in the need for divine retribution and the maintenance of moral order within society. Through their relentless pursuit and punishment of transgressors, they embody the concept of justice and serve as a reminder of the consequences that await those who commit crimes against kinship and violate sacred bonds.
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In heathen myth., the three avenging deities.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of FURIES
The word "Furies" has its etymology in ancient Greek mythology. In Greek, they are known as "Erinyes" (Ἐρινύες) or "Eumenides" (Εὐμενίδες). These terms derive from the Greek verb "erinýō" (ἐρινύω), which means "to pursue" or "to be angry". The Furies, known as the Erinyes in Greek mythology, were female deities who represented vengeance and punishment. They were often depicted as three sisters—Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone—and were responsible for avenging crimes such as murder and family betrayal. The Furies had a prominent role in Greek literature, especially within works like Aeschylus' trilogy "The Oresteia".
Similar spelling words for FURIES
- furious,
- Ferries,
- Friese,
- Faries,
- Furies,
- frees,
- fries,
- Fairies,
- furze,
- Juries,
- fires,
- FARES,
- buries.
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