Megaera ( ; Related to μεγαίρω "to grudge, envy" from Proto-Indo-European *meǵh2- "great" (see Robert S. P. Beekes, Etymological Dictionary of Greek, Brill, 2009, p. 917).) is one of the Erinyes, Eumenides or "Furies" in classical mythology. Bibliotheca Classica states "According to the most received opinions, they were three in number, Tisiphone, "Megaera ... daughter of Nyx and Acheron",Lamprière's Classical Dictionary of Proper Names mentioned in Ancient Authors, 1949, p. 366 and Alecto".Lamprière's Classical Dictionary of Proper Names mentioned in Ancient Authors, 1949, p. 234
In other versions, she and her sisters, as well as the Meliae, were born of the blood of Uranus when Cronus castrated him.
In modern French (), Portuguese (), Modern Greek (), Italian (), Polish (), Russian (), Ukrainian (), Czech () and Swedish (), this name denotes a jealous or spiteful woman. She is not to be confused with Megara, the wife of Heracles.
Namesakes Minor planet 464 Megaira is named in her honour.
See also Family tree of the Greek gods Shrew (archetype)
References