18 definitions by geinman
The Greek goddesses of retribution. There were three of them, with hideous features, snakes for hair, and eyes which wept blood. They sprang from the blood of Uranus when his son Chronos struck him down. Their purpose was to punish those who broke the laws of nature, such as killing a family member. The Romans called them the Furies.
When Hera endowed a horse with the power of speech, the Erinyes struck it dumb because it was not natural for a horse to talk.
by geinman June 25, 2013
A sailor who works hard all day, then hits the beach and drinks until 2am. He then gets up at six am, and does it all over again.
by geinman February 3, 2013
by geinman October 25, 2012
Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. After the murder of his father, he was ordered by Apollo to avenge his father's death. He did so, killing his mother and her lover, Aegisthus. For this act, he was pursued by the Erinyes, the goddesses of retribution. He wandered many years so tormented, accompanied by his sister Electra and friend Pylades. Finally, at Athens, the gods interceded and held court. Athena defended him and Apollo gave testimony. Orestes was exonerated and the Erinyes stopped pursuing him.
by geinman June 23, 2013
Daughter of Agamemnon who was to be sacrificed at Aulis due to her father's angering of the goddess Artemis. At the second the knife fell, Artemis whisked her away and placed a stag in her place. The goddess took her to the land of the Taurans, where she became a priestess. Many years later, she played a major part in the redemption of her brother, Orestes.
by geinman June 15, 2013
The hero of the Leatherstocking Tales by James F. Cooper. Real name Nathaniel Bumppo. Also the nickname of Captain B.F.Peirce of MASH
by geinman October 25, 2012