The Story of Nemesis
Nemesis was the goddess of retribution, who restored balance in the world. According to Hesiod, she was a daughter of Nyx, the night. She punished hubris, the arrogance of mortals who thought too highly of themselves, and she brought down those who enjoyed good fortune they had not earned.
Her most famous victim was the beautiful youth Narcissus. He cruelly rejected everyone who loved him, including the nymph Echo, who faded away until only her voice remained. One of his rejected admirers prayed for him to know the pain of loving without return, and Nemesis answered the prayer.
She led Narcissus to a clear pool, where he saw his own reflection and fell hopelessly in love with it. Unable to tear himself away, he wasted away beside the water. In his place grew the white and yellow narcissus flower.
In one early version of the myth, Zeus pursued Nemesis, and she changed into one creature after another to escape him. When she became a goose, he became a swan and caught her. She later laid an egg, which was given to Leda, queen of Sparta, and from it hatched Helen of Troy.
Nemesis had an important temple at Rhamnous, north of Athens. According to Pausanias, the Persians who landed at Marathon had brought marble to build a victory monument, and after their defeat, the stone was carved into a statue of Nemesis. Today her name means a fated enemy or an unbeatable rival.
Famous Myths About Nemesis
The Punishment of Narcissus
The beautiful youth Narcissus cruelly rejected everyone who loved him, including the nymph Echo. Nemesis answered the prayer of one of his rejected admirers and made him fall in love with his own reflection in a pool, where he wasted away.
The Egg of Helen
In one early version of the myth, Zeus pursued Nemesis as she transformed into different creatures to escape him. When she became a goose, he became a swan, and she later laid an egg from which Helen of Troy was born.
Where to See Nemesis in Greece
Nemesis's Family Tree
Parents of Nemesis
Partners of Nemesis
Children of Nemesis
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemesis
Who is Nemesis in Greek mythology?
Nemesis is the goddess of retribution and balance. She punished hubris, the arrogance of mortals who thought too highly of themselves.
Who are Nemesis's parents?
According to Hesiod, Nemesis is a daughter of Nyx, the night.
What did Nemesis do to Narcissus?
Nemesis punished the vain youth Narcissus by leading him to a pool, where he fell in love with his own reflection and wasted away.
Is Nemesis linked to Helen of Troy?
In one version of the myth, Zeus pursued Nemesis in the form of a swan, and she laid an egg from which Helen hatched. The egg was then given to Leda to raise.
What are Nemesis's symbols?
Nemesis's symbols include the sword, the scales, the whip, the griffin and the wheel.
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