Nemesis

Nemesis, the goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution

Who was Nemesis?
Nemesis was the Greek goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution and one of the extraordinary number of gods and goddesses worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. The legend and myth about Nemesis has been passed down through the ages and plays an important role in the history of the Ancient World and the study of the Greek classics. Nemesis was described as a remorseless goddess, intent on her task which was "to give what is due", an avenging or punishing divinity. Her name derives from the Greek words meaning "dispenser of dues." Happiness and unhappiness of mortals were measured out by her. Nemesis believed that no one should ever have too much good took care that happiness was not too excessive. She balanced the excessive favors given by Tyche (Fortune). As the daughter of Nyx and Erebus she resided in the dark underworld with Hecate, the goddess of Magic and her siblings who included the hateful Keres and other lesser gods of Doom (Moros), Old Age (Geras), Death and Sleep (Thanatos and Hypnos), Strife (Eris), and Charon the Ferryman, who were all strongly related to the terrible realm of the Underworld.

Picture of Nemesis

Facts about Nemesis
Nemesis features in the religious beliefs of the ancient Greeks which are based on the idea that these supernatural beings resembled mortals but possessed great magical and mystic powers. The following information, facts and profile provides a fast overview of Nemesis:

Nemesis Profile & Fact File
Greek Name: Nemesis, goddess of revenge
Role & Function: Her function was the goddess of Divine Retribution or revenge and of rightful indignation
Status: Daughter of Nyx and Erebus, a goddess of the dark Underworld
Symbols: The wheel, wings, whip or sword
Siblings: The brothers and sisters of the goddess were Moros, Geras, Thanatos, Hypnos, Eris, Charon & the Keres
Gender: Female
Roman Counterpart: The Roman counterpart for Nemesis was Invidia, although this Roman goddess was more strongly associated with envy and the 'evil eye'. Invidia was the patroness of gladiators
Name of Father: Erebus
Name of Mother: Nyx

The Symbols of Nemesis
Each ancient Greek god and goddess were associated with special symbols, animals and attributes. The Symbols of Nemesis helped the ancient Greeks instantly recognize the gods and goddesses that were depicted in their pictures, mosaics, statues and images. Nemesis is depicted as a beautiful, thoughtful woman with a regal bearing, often wearing a crown and holding a rudder, balance, and cubit and seated in a chariot drawn by griffins (a griffin was a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, that symbolized wisdom). The symbols of Nemesis were the wheel, wings, whip or sword and their meanings were as follows:

• The rudder, balance, and cubit
• These symbols reflect the emblems of the manner in which Nemesis guided, weighed, and measured all human events and her the ability to steer lives in two directions
• The wheel
• The symbol of the wheel symbolized the rapidity with which Nemesis executed justice and later the wheel of fortune
• The whip or sword
• The symbol of the whip or sword represents the right of Nemesis to "to give what is due"
• Wings
• Her wings symbolized her role as the avenger of evil gifted with magic and the power of flight

Nemesis (Roman Counterpart was Invidia)
When the Roman Empire conquered the Greeks in 146BC, the Romans assimilated various elements from other cultures and civilisations, including the gods and goddesses that were worshipped by the Ancient Greeks. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses, such as Nemesis, were therefore adopted by the Romans but were given Latin names. The Roman counterpart of Nemesis was Invidia and also Rivalitas the Roman goddess of Jealous Rivalry.

Nemesis Family tree & Genealogy
Nyx, the dark goddess of darkness, was the mother of many of the Gods of death and darkness. Some were the result of her union with Erebus, another important god of the infernal region. The family members and genealogy of Nemesis are detailed in the following family tree, providing an overview of the relationships between Nemesis and some of the principle Greek gods and goddesses of the Underworld.

Facts about Nemesis in Greek Mythology
Nemesis, the Greek goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution, featured in the stories, myths and legends in Greek Mythology. Discover interesting information and facts about the Greek goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution. The facts about her provides a list detailing fascinating additional info to increase your knowledge about Nemesis in Greek Mythology, stories and legends.

Mythical Facts about Nemesis
Fact 1: She brought many sorrow to mortals, such as in the story of Echo and Narcissus

Fact 2: According to mythology Zeus once fell in love with the beautiful Nemesis but she avoided his advances by transforming into a goose

Fact 3: Other legends tell that as a result of her union with Zeus assuming the form of a swan while Nemesis was in the guise of a goose. She laid an egg from which Helen of Troy hatched

Fact 4: A festival called Nemeseia was held at Athens that included a torch race

Fact 5: She is associated with Hubris. Definition of Hubris: Overbearing pride or presumption

Fact 6: She was given the responsibility of keeping the Furies in check

Nemesis

• Interesting information and Facts about the Greek goddess Nemesis
• Nemesis, the Greek goddess of Revenge
• Stories and Legends in Greek Mythology associated with Nemesis
• Facts and information about the Gods and Deities of the Ancient World for schools and kids
• Nemesis, the Greek goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution