The Story of Megaera
Megaera was one of the three Furies, or Erinyes, the avenging goddesses of the Underworld. With her sisters Alecto and Tisiphone, she was born from the blood of Uranus when Cronus attacked him. Her name means the jealous or grudging one.
Megaera stood for jealousy and punished crimes such as unfaithfulness and oath breaking. With her sisters, she hunted Orestes after he killed his mother Clytemnestra. In Athens, Athena held a trial that set Orestes free, and the Furies were persuaded to accept new honors as kindly spirits.
Like her sisters, Megaera was pictured with snakes in her hair and a fierce, terrifying face. She had no separate worship, and was honored with the other Furies under respectful names like the Eumenides. In several modern European languages her name has become a word for a spiteful, quarrelsome woman.
Famous Myths About Megaera
The Pursuit of Orestes
When Orestes killed his mother Clytemnestra, the Furies hunted him relentlessly to punish the crime. In Athens, Athena held a trial that set Orestes free, and the Furies were persuaded to accept new honors as kindly spirits.
Megaera's Family Tree
Parents of Megaera
Partners of Megaera
Children of Megaera
Frequently Asked Questions About Megaera
Who is Megaera in Greek mythology?
Megaera is one of the three Furies, or Erinyes. She stands for jealousy and punishes crimes such as unfaithfulness and oath breaking.
Who are Megaera's sisters?
Megaera's sisters are Alecto and Tisiphone. All three were born from the blood of Uranus.
What does the name Megaera mean?
Megaera means the jealous or grudging one, and in several modern European languages her name has become a word for a spiteful woman.
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