Furies: meaning, definitions and examples

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Furies

[ ˈfjʊəriz ]

Noun

^{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.

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

Etymology

The Furies, also known as the Erinyes or Eumenides, have their origins in ancient Greek mythology. They were believed to be the daughters of Gaia and emerged from the blood of Uranus when he was castrated by his son Cronus. The Furies were tasked with avenging crimes, particularly those committed within families. Their role was to ensure that justice was served and that wrongdoers faced the consequences of their actions. The concept of the Furies has been a powerful symbol in literature and art, representing the eternal pursuit of justice and the inevitability of facing one's misdeeds.

See also: furious, furiously, infuriate.