Erinyes

Erinyes [Furies] - Underworld deities, according to one tradition, born of the blood of Ouranos, or of the union of Gaea and Erebus, or according to yet a third legend, the offspring of Hades and Persephone. Their number varies depending upon the period. Initially there were three. Alecto [she who cannot be opposed], Tisiphone [the avenger of murderers], and Megaira [the spirit of hatred]. The Furies were winged creatures who pursued their victims by hovering closely over them. They were dark complexioned, and wore loose-fitting robes of the same colour. Serpents were entwined in their hair. Guardians of the oath, they punished all perjurers and generally any violation that conflicted with the natural order of things. No guilty party could possibly escape their punishment for if needs be they pursued their victims even into the underworld to mete out the punishment they deserved. With time, the Fates eventually evolved into the goddesses of fate and ceased to be merciless. They became associated with penitence and no longer pursued the guilty, but were converted into Eumenides who were benevolent deities. The Eumenides kept danger at bay, brought fertility and all good things. Their centers of worship were in Athens, in Sicyon, Argos, and Megalopolis. [p. 46]

[Kyriazis, Constantine D. Eternal Greece. Translated by Harry T. Hionides. A Chat Publication.]

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