Nemesis (mythology) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nemesis |
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|---|---|
| Goddess of retribution | |
| Member of the Oceanids | |
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| Other names | Rhamnousia |
| Venerated in | Ancient Greece |
| Animals | goose |
| Symbol | Sword, lash, dagger, measuring rod, scales, bridle |
| Festivals | Nemeseia |
| Personal information | |
| Consort | Zeus Tartarus |
| Offspring | Helen of Troy the Telchines |
| Parents | Nyx and Erebus Oceanus Zeus |
| Siblings |
by Nyx and Erebus
by Oceanus
Oceanids
Potamoi |
Nemesis (in Greek, Νέμεσις) is a Greek goddess. She makes sure everyone gets what they truly deserve. This means she brings justice, whether it's good luck for good deeds or punishment for bad ones.
The word nemesis first meant someone who gives out luck fairly. This luck was given in the right amount for what each person deserved. In old Greek plays, Nemesis was mainly seen as the one who punished crimes. She also punished hubris, which means being too proud or arrogant. Sometimes, she was called Adrasteia, meaning "the one you cannot escape."
Nemesis is often shown with wings. She is known as the goddess of fairness and the punisher of wrongs. Her symbols include a measuring rod, a bridle, scales, a sword, and a scourge (a type of whip). She rides in a chariot pulled by griffins, which are mythical creatures with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Nemesis is often seen with another goddess named Aidos. Aidos is the goddess of shame. She is similar to Nemesis because both goddesses encourage people to act properly.
Ancient Greeks had different ideas about "justice":
- Nemesis: The goddess who makes sure everyone gets what they deserve.
- Dike: The goddess in charge of what we now call civil law. She oversaw fair judgments.
- Dikaiosyne: This word meant a "just state" or a fair country. It's where our word "justice" comes from.
- Nomos: This referred to a law made by the government.
What Her Name Means
The name Nemesis comes from the Greek word némein. This word means "to give what is due" or "to distribute fairly." It comes from an even older language called Proto-Indo-European.
Nemesis Festivals
There was a festival in Athens called Nemeseia. People held this festival to honor the dead. They believed it would prevent the dead from punishing the living if their memory had been forgotten. It was a way to show respect and keep things balanced.
Images for kids
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Nemesis, a painting by Alfred Rethel from 1837.
See also
In Spanish: Némesis para niños
