Eris, the Greek goddess of discord and strife, thrives in conflict and tension. She incites rivalry not just among mortals but even among the gods, proving that no realm stands immune to chaos. Unlike deities who seek balance or justice, Eris disrupts order and provokes division, often with devastating consequences.
She appears most infamously at the root of the Trojan War. When the gods excluded her from a wedding feast, Eris retaliated by throwing a golden apple among the guests. This set the stage for one of the greatest conflicts in Greek mythology.
Symbolism
Eris embodies the darker aspects of human nature: envy, rivalry, and civil unrest. Her most iconic symbol, the Golden Apple of Discord, carries the inscription “To the fairest” and represents the kind of beauty that breeds conflict. Her presence signals instability, not through brute force like Ares, but through provocation and cunning.
In art, Eris appears as a shadowy figure or a dark-robed woman with wild hair, often casting the golden apple or stirring battle among men.
Appearances in Myths
- The Judgement of Paris: When Eris is left uninvited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, she throws a golden apple into the crowd of Olympians, claiming it for “the fairest.” Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claim it. To resolve the dispute, Zeus appoints the Trojan prince Paris as judge. He chooses Aphrodite, who bribes him with the love of Helen.
- Hesiod’s Theogony: Hesiod names Eris as the daughter of Nyx (Night), listing her among the dark spirits she bore alone. He also catalogs her offspring, each representing a specific form of conflict—such as Lethe (Forgetfulness), Limos (Starvation), and Hysminai (Battles).
- Ares’ Companion in War: In some traditions, Eris rides beside Ares into battle, feeding off the frenzy and destruction. Where Ares brings physical violence, Eris ensures confusion and betrayal.
Worship and Cult
The Greeks did not build temples to Eris or hold festivals in her honor. She belonged more to myth and allegory than to religious devotion. Her presence served as a warning: when arrogance or injustice took root, Eris would not be far behind.
Modern Appearances
Books
- The Iliad by Homer – Mentions Eris as a force that escalates battle.
- The Greek Myths by Robert Graves – Discusses her origin and role in the Trojan cycle.
Popular Culture
- Discordianism – A modern parody religion embraces Eris as a patron of chaos and absurdity, presenting her as a goddess of creative disorder.
- Percy Jackson series – Features Eris as a sharp-tongued, manipulative figure who thrives on social tension.
Science
Astronomers named the dwarf planet Eris after her in 2005—a fitting tribute to a discovery that challenged Pluto’s planetary status and stirred its own discord in the scientific community.