Furies: meaning, definitions and examples

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Furies

[ˈfjʊəriz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mythology

In ancient Greek mythology, the Furies were female spirits of justice and vengeance. They were also known as the Erinyes or Eumenides. The Furies were said to pursue and torment those who had committed crimes, especially against family members. They were often depicted with serpents for hair and bloodshot eyes.

Synonyms

Erinyes, Eumenides.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Furies	This term is commonly used to describe intense, uncontrollable anger or rage in a non-mythological sense, often in a negative connotation. She unleashed her furies on anyone who dared to cross her. His eyes burned with a fury that scared everyone around him.
Erinyes	This is the original Greek term for the Furies and is often used in literary or scholarly contexts when discussing Greek mythology. The Erinyes were known for punishing mortals who broke oaths. In ancient texts, the Erinyes are depicted as fierce and unforgiving.
Eumenides	This name was given to the Furies after they were appeased and took on a more benevolent role, meaning 'the kindly ones.' It is often used to highlight their later, more benevolent aspects. The Eumenides represent the transformation of wrath into mercy. Despite their fearsome origins, the Eumenides were worshipped as bringers of justice.

Word

Description / Examples

Furies

This term is commonly used to describe intense, uncontrollable anger or rage in a non-mythological sense, often in a negative connotation.

She unleashed her furies on anyone who dared to cross her.
His eyes burned with a fury that scared everyone around him.

Erinyes

This is the original Greek term for the Furies and is often used in literary or scholarly contexts when discussing Greek mythology.

The Erinyes were known for punishing mortals who broke oaths.
In ancient texts, the Erinyes are depicted as fierce and unforgiving.

Eumenides

This name was given to the Furies after they were appeased and took on a more benevolent role, meaning 'the kindly ones.' It is often used to highlight their later, more benevolent aspects.

The Eumenides represent the transformation of wrath into mercy.
Despite their fearsome origins, the Eumenides were worshipped as bringers of justice.

Examples of usage

The Furies were relentless in their pursuit of wrongdoers.
According to legend, the Furies would drive people mad with guilt.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literature

In literature, the Furies are often portrayed as symbols of retribution and the consequences of one's actions. They represent the idea that justice will eventually catch up with those who do wrong.

Examples of usage

The character faced the wrath of the Furies for his misdeeds.
In the play, the Furies haunted the protagonist until he confessed his crime.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'Furies' comes from the Latin word 'Furiae', meaning 'to rage' or 'to be furious', highlighting their vengeful nature.
In Greek mythology, they were called 'Erinyes', which also relates to their role in enforcing justice.
Their names often include Alecto (the unresting), Megaera (the jealous), and Tisiphone (the avenger), each representing different aspects of vengeance.

Psychology

The concept of 'Furies' can symbolize deep-seated anger and the psychological repercussions of guilt, reflecting humanity’s struggle with inner turmoil.
In modern psychology, feelings of fury can manifest as both destructive emotions and mechanisms for self-protection against injustice.
The representation of Furies in art and literature offers insight into how societies interpret anger and its consequences on interpersonal relationships.

Literature

Furies appear in various works of literature, such as Aeschylus's 'Oresteia', where they seek vengeance on Orestes for the murder of his mother.
They're often depicted in tragic plays as embodiments of vengeance and moral retribution, highlighting the consequences of human actions.
Dante Alighieri included Furies in 'The Divine Comedy', showing their role in punishing the sinful in the afterlife.

Pop Culture

The Furies have influenced modern storytelling, appearing in movies, TV series, and games as symbols of revenge and justice.
In the Marvel universe, there's a character named 'Fury' who is inspired by these mythical figures, often portrayed as a relentless avenger.
They are depicted in various adaptations of Greek mythology, sometimes transformed into figures of empowerment rather than just vengeance.

Art

Furies have been a popular subject in art, often illustrated as fearsome women with serpents in their hair, representing their wrath.
Paintings from the Renaissance and beyond showcased their dramatic presence, using color and form to evoke fear and justice.
Statues and sculptures have also depicted them, capturing their intense expressions, emphasizing the emotional power of their role in mythology.

Translations

Translations of the word "Furies" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Fúrias

🇮🇳 फ्यूरिज़

🇩🇪 Furien

🇮🇩 Furies

🇺🇦 Фурії

🇵🇱 Furie

🇯🇵 フューリーズ

🇫🇷 Furies

🇪🇸 Furias

🇹🇷 Öfkeliler

🇰🇷 퓨리

🇸🇦 الغاضبات

🇨🇿 Fúrie

🇸🇰 Fúrie

🇨🇳 复仇女神

🇸🇮 Furije

🇮🇸 Reiði

🇰🇿 Фурии

🇬🇪 ფურიები

🇦🇿 Furiyalar

🇲🇽 Furias