Erinyes: meaning, definitions and examples

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Erinyes

[ ɪˈrɪnɪˌiːz ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mythology

In Greek mythology, the Erinyes were female deities of vengeance, also known as the Furies. They were born from the blood of Uranus when he was castrated by his son Cronus. The Erinyes were tasked with punishing those who had sworn false oaths or committed crimes, particularly matricide, patricide, and crimes against the gods.

Synonyms

Avenging Spirits, Furies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Erinyes	Duplicated term, likely meant to refer to the 'Furies'.
Furies	Commonly used term in literature and everyday language to describe fierce, vengeful beings or intense emotions of rage and vengeance. It may carry a slightly negative connotation. The Furies were relentless in their pursuit of those who committed heinous crimes. Her eyes burned with the fury of a dozen Furies as she confronted the traitor.
Avenging Spirits	Utilized in broader contexts to refer to any spirits or supernatural beings that seek vengeance. This term is less specific to Greek mythology and can be applied more generally. Tales of avenging spirits often serve as warnings against committing grave injustices. In the legend, an avenging spirit haunted the murderer's family for generations.

Word

Description / Examples

Erinyes

Duplicated term, likely meant to refer to the 'Furies'.

Furies

Commonly used term in literature and everyday language to describe fierce, vengeful beings or intense emotions of rage and vengeance. It may carry a slightly negative connotation.

The Furies were relentless in their pursuit of those who committed heinous crimes.
Her eyes burned with the fury of a dozen Furies as she confronted the traitor.

Avenging Spirits

Utilized in broader contexts to refer to any spirits or supernatural beings that seek vengeance. This term is less specific to Greek mythology and can be applied more generally.

Tales of avenging spirits often serve as warnings against committing grave injustices.
In the legend, an avenging spirit haunted the murderer's family for generations.

Examples of usage

The Erinyes pursued Orestes after he killed his mother, Clytemnestra.
According to legend, the Erinyes would torment wrongdoers until they repented for their crimes.

Translations

Translations of the word "Erinyes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Erínias

🇮🇳 एरीनीज़

🇩🇪 Erinnyen

🇮🇩 Erinyes

🇺🇦 Еринії

🇵🇱 Erynie

🇯🇵 エリーニュス

🇫🇷 Érinyes

🇪🇸 Erinias

🇹🇷 Erinyeler

🇰🇷 에리니에스

🇸🇦 إرينيات

🇨🇿 Erinye

🇸🇰 Erinye

🇨🇳 厄里倪厄斯

🇸🇮 Erinije

🇮🇸 Erinýur

🇰🇿 Эринии

🇬🇪 ერინიები

🇦🇿 Eriniyalar

🇲🇽 Erinias

Etymology

The term Erinyes comes from Greek mythology and is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *er(i)-, meaning 'to cause, to set in motion'. The Erinyes were often depicted as three sisters - Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone - who embodied the concept of vengeance and justice. Their role in mythology was to punish those who had committed heinous crimes or broken sacred oaths.