Megaera

Megaera is a figure in Greek mythology known as one of the Erinyes, or the Furies. Her name is often translated as “the jealous one” or “the grudging one,” reflecting her association with jealousy, envy, and impassioned rage. In most traditions she is one of a threefold trio of Furies, the others being Alecto and Tisiphone.

In myth, Megaera embodies the aspects of vengeance tied to moral crimes driven by passion, such as jealousy, marital infidelity, and perjury. Like the other Furies, she operates in the underworld and on earth to punish wrongdoing and to enforce oaths and oaths taken in anger or deceit. The Furies are usually described as winged female deities, sometimes depicted with serpents in their hair or torches, and they pursue wrongdoers until justice is satisfied.

The Furies’ role and names appear in various ancient sources, including tragic plays and the Oresteia cycle, where they pursue Orestes for matricide before being appeased by Athena. In Roman tradition, their counterparts are known as the Furiae, with similar functions of vengeance and moral order.

In modern culture, Megaera is sometimes used as a name for characters inspired by the Furies, often embodying themes of jealousy or retribution. A notable contemporary example appears in the video game Hades, where Megaera is portrayed as one of the Furies encountered by the player.