#erinyes

I scent the track of crimes done long ago. For from this roof never departs a chorus chanting in unison, but singing not a happy tune; for it tells not of good. And so, gorged on human blood, so as to be the more emboldened, a reveling band of kindred Furies haunts the house, hard to drive away.

“Agamemnon” by Aeschylus (lines 1185-1190) 

Herbert Weir Smyth, tr. 

The Erinyes (aka. the Furies) for @classicstober day 27. 

This is sort of a literal interpretation of Cassandra’s speech in “Agamemnon”. I envisioned her, with her divine sight, looking upon the Erinyes as they collect on the roof of Agamemnon’s house, like vultures waiting for the violence about to transpire. 

Underworld Gods: Greek 🏛️ ⤷ Hades ⋮ Part 1

I'm a fan of obscure parentages in myth (I've mace past posts on some), and found a new one in the Aeneid where the Furies are the daughters of Pluto and Nox (Nyx).

Aeneas himself, sword drawn, slaughters a black-fleeced lamb to the Furies’ mother, Night... - Book 6, line 286-288

Allecto—a joy to her heart, the griefs of war, rage, and murderous plots, and grisly crimes. Even her father, Pluto, loathes the monster... - Book 7, Line 381-383

The Orphic Hymns recounts their parents as Hades and Persephone, but I'm really digging Virgil's version.

Like Hades/Pluto had them with Nyx/Nox early in his reign, and they're akin to rebellious teenage daughters that he gave jobs to to keep them busy and put all their anger to work.