Eris (mythology) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eris |
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| Goddess of strife and discord | |
Eris on an Attic plate, ca. 575–525 BC
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| Abode | Erebus |
| Symbol | Golden Apple of Discord |
| Personal information | |
| Children | Dysnomia, Ponos, Atë, Lethe, Limos, Algea, Hysminai, Makhai, Phonoi, Androktasiai, Neikea, Amphilogiai, Horkos, Pseudea, Logoi |
| Parents | Nyx or Zeus and Hera |
| Roman equivalent | Discordia |
Eris is the Greek goddess of arguments and disagreements. Her name means "Strife." She was known for causing trouble and chaos wherever she went.
In Roman mythology, she was called Discordia, which also means "discord" or "disagreement." Eris is the opposite of Harmonia, the goddess of harmony. The dwarf planet Eris is named after this powerful goddess.
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Eris in Greek Myths
Eris is most famous for starting the Trojan War. This happened because she wasn't invited to a very important wedding. The wedding was for Peleus and Thetis, who would become the parents of the great hero Achilles.
All the other gods and goddesses were invited, but Eris was left out. This was because she was known for causing problems. Feeling angry, Eris decided to cause some trouble of her own.
The Golden Apple of Discord
Eris threw a special golden apple into the wedding party. The apple had words written on it: "For the most beautiful one." This immediately caused a big argument among the goddesses.
Three powerful goddesses, Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, all claimed the apple. They couldn't agree on who was the most beautiful. So, Zeus, the king of the gods, chose a young man named Paris to decide. Paris was a prince from the city of Troy.
Paris's Difficult Choice
Each goddess tried to bribe Paris to pick her.
- Hera offered Paris great political power.
- Athena promised him endless wisdom.
- Aphrodite, however, offered him the most beautiful woman in the world. This woman was Helen, who was already married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta.
Paris chose Aphrodite's offer. He gave the golden apple to her. This choice led to Helen being taken to Troy, which then started the terrible Trojan War. The war eventually led to the destruction of Paris's city, Troy.
Discordia in Roman Myths
Discordia is the Roman version of Eris. She also represents arguments and chaos. Just like Eris, Discordia brings disruption and disagreement. She shows how conflicts can break down peace and order in society.
Discordia often appears in stories where jealousy or betrayal cause problems. Her presence makes tensions worse and fuels arguments. This leads to big consequences for both people and gods. The most famous story involving Discordia is also the Judgement of Paris, just like in Greek myths.
Discordia's Role in Society
In ancient Rome, Discordia was sometimes mentioned during times of political unrest. She symbolized the disagreements and divisions within society. Her influence could affect not just individuals but also the fate of entire nations.
Even though she caused chaos, Discordia wasn't always seen as completely bad. Some people thought she could also bring about change. Her disruptive power might destroy old ways, but it could also lead to new ideas and growth. This shows that her character was complex.
Eris in Pop Culture
Eris's story has influenced many modern tales and characters.
- The classic fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" has a similar plot. A bad fairy curses a princess because she wasn't invited to the princess's christening. This is much like Eris being left out of the wedding.
- In the 1975 science fiction books The Illuminatus! Trilogy, Eris is a main character.
- Eris appears as a villain in the animated TV show The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. She is shown as a spoiled woman who uses the "Apple of Discord."
- Eris is also the main villain in the 2003 animated movie Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas. She is called the "Goddess of Discord and Chaos."
- The dwarf planet Eris was named after this Greek goddess in 2006.
- In 2019, a moth species from New Zealand, Ichneutica eris, was named after Eris.
See also
In Spanish: Eris (mitología) para niños
