By Ellen Lorenzi-Prince © 2005 All rights reserved
Revenge and sorrows dire
to you belong,
Orphic Hymn, ca. 300 BCE – 150 CE
The Erinyes were underworld
goddesses of vengeance and retribution, especially for crimes that broke
familial bonds and other sacred covenants. Armed with vicious serpents and
whips, they punished the wicked relentlessly, driving them to madness and
despair, until they were cleansed of their sins or died.
Image
source: Apulian Red Figure Vase, ca. 350 BCE