The Goddess Nemesis & The Griffin
In classical mythology, Nemesis is the goddess of retribution, the avenger of pride, the punisher of passion, and the equalizer of fortune and misfortune. Greek poets commonly consider Nyx (Night) as her mother and regard either Zeus (Jupiter), Darkness, or Ocean as her father. The conception of Nemesis changed as Greek religion developed. In the 8th century B.C., she was conceived as the personification of moral reverence for law, of the natural fear of committing a culpable act, and of conscience. However, by the 5th century B.C., she appeared as a fatal deity directing human affairs so as to restore equilibrium when it had been disturbed and dealing losses and sufferings to persons blessed with too much prosperity. The latter notion came from the commonplace belief that the gods envy excessive human happiness. This belief, in turn, begot her role as a stern and punitive power of fate pursuing and punishing sinners against gods and men.
Nemesis
Nemesis in Myth
NEMESIS
N E M E S I S
Nemesis, The Goddess of Retribution
In Greece, the griffin was a symbol of vigilant strength: Apollo rode one and griffins guarded the gold of the Hyberboreans of the far north. The griffin was also the embodiment of Nemesis the goddess of retribution, and they turned her wheel of fortune. In legend, the creature was a symbol of superbia (arrogant pride) because Alexander the Great was said to have tried to fly on back of griffins to the edge of the sky." The griffin has served many purposes, including but not limited to "The vigilant guardian of treasure and kings." It has been called the Hounds of Zeus. It has pulled the chariots of Pharaoh, Apollo, Nemesis and Alexander the Great, who obviously wasn't content with just riding them!
Griffins - The Eagle and the Lion
The Gryphon In Symbolism
Nemesis
nemesis, goddess of righteous anger a full moon shimmers
on a mountain pool
goddess of the light is there
gazing as did narcissus
missing the echoing calls of
those who live in darkness
a new moon forever reflecting
in a backed up gutter
Jill Flegg ECS School Westmount, Québec
Karma: Law of Cause and Effect
Nemesis, Goddess of righteous anger & divine Retribution
