Erinyes

The Furies, also known as the Erinyes in Greek mythology, are female spirits of vengeance and justice. They are often depicted as winged women with snakes for hair, and their role is to punish those who have committed crimes, particularly against family ties, such as murder or betrayal. In Greek, the term Erinyes (Ἐρινύες) translates to "the angry ones." The Furies are sometimes equated with the Roman Dirac (singular: Dira) and the Etruscan Cilens. In Hebrew, they can be referred to as נוקמות (Nokmot), meaning "avengers." The Furies are key figures in Greek tragedy, often appearing to exact vengeance on characters who have committed moral offenses. They are also associated with the underworld and are sometimes considered chthonic deities, tied to the earth and its fertility. Notable depictions of the Furies can be found in Aeschylus' Oresteia and the works of other ancient Greek playwrights.