The Phonoi | |
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Personifications of Murder | |
Member of the Family of Eris | |
Abode | Underworld (possibly) |
Genealogy | |
Parents | Eris[1] |
Siblings | Lethe, Ponos, Algos, Hysminai, Limos, Machai, Androktasiai, Neikea, Amphillogiai, Pseudea, Logoi, Dysnomia, Atë, Horkos |
InGreek mythology, the Phonoi (Ancient Greek: Φόνοι; singular: Phonos Φόνος) were the "ghastly-faced" male personifications of murder.
Hesiod in the Theogony named the Phonoi's mother as Eris ("Discord"), and their siblings as: the Hysminai (Battles), the Makhai (Wars), the Androktasiai (Manslaughters) and other malevolent daemons.[2]
In the epic poem the Shield of Heracles, attributed to Hesiod, Phonos (singular) was one of the many figures, depicted on Heracles' shield.[5]
". . . hear me, you gods, that feel with us! By a fresh award redeem the blood of deeds done long ago. May aged Murder (phonos) cease begetting offspring in our house!"[6]
"Amphiaraus repeatedly rebukes mighty Tydeus [in the war of the Seven Against Thebes] with evil names 'Murderer, maker of unrest in the city, principal teacher of evils to the Argives, summoner of Erinys (Vengeance's Curse), servant of Phonos (Slaughter).'"[7]
The Phonoi are also represented in myths to be present during battles and fights along with other war deities.[8]
"Then met the fronts of battle: dread it rang on either hand. Hard-strained was then the fight: incarnate Kydoimos (Strife) stalked through the midst, with Phonos (Slaughter) ghastly-faced . . . Through the air upshrieked an awful indistinguishable roar; for on both hosts fell iron-hearted Eris (Strife)."[9]
Ancient Greek deities
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