Eris – Strife
Eris, goddess of discord, chaos, and strife, is the sister of Ares and among the spirits who accompany him onto the battlefield. Her most famous appearance in mythology is a nonappearance: Eris was snubbed. She did not receive an invitation to Thetis’ wedding, a major social event for the Olympian pantheon. Her revenge was subtle: she tossed a beautiful golden apple inscribed simply “For the fairest” into the banquet room and watched chaos and discord ensue. Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena all vied for the apple. (Apparently no one considered that it might be for the bride.) Resulting strife led to the Judgment of Paris and ultimately the Trojan War.
• Eris is the primary deity of the Discordian religion, also known as Erisian.
• She makes frequent appearances on the animated television series The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Discordia
ORIGIN:
Greece
ICONOGRAPHY:
Eris is portrayed as a pretty woman with dark wings. Her feet may also be winged.
ATTRIBUTE:
A golden apple: the Apple of Discord
SEE ALSO:
- Aphrodite
- Ares
- Athena
- Hera
- Thetis
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.