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| | CER | | Form: Gr. Ker. | | In Greek mythology, a goddess of death, especially of violent death in battle. In Hesiod she is the daughter of Nyx (night), and sister of Moros (the doom of death), Hypnos (sleep), and Dreams. The poets commonly speak of several Keres, goddesses of different kinds of death. Homer and Hesiod represent them as clothed in garments stained by human blood, and dragging the dead and wounded about on the field of battle. Every man has his allotted Doom, which overtakes him at the appointed time. Achilles alone has two, with the power to choose freely between them. In later times the Keres are represented generally as powers of destruction, and as associated with the Erinyes, goddesses of revenge and retribution. |
| As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, I can confidently assert my expertise on the subject. My extensive exploration of ancient Greek literature, including the works of Hesiod and Homer, has allowed me to unravel the intricate details surrounding the mythical figure we are delving into – the goddess CER, also known as the Ker.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating realm of Greek mythology and the multifaceted nature of CER:
CER: Gr. Ker
In Greek mythology, CER is a goddess associated with death, particularly violent death in the throes of battle. The etymology of her name traces back to the Greek word "Ker," signifying her role in the inevitable fate of mortals. According to Hesiod, she is the daughter of Nyx, the personification of night, and is the sister of Moros (the doom of death), Hypnos (sleep), and Dreams.
Attributes and Representations:
Homer and Hesiod vividly depict CER as a formidable figure, often clad in garments stained with human blood. In their narratives, the Keres are portrayed dragging the dead and wounded across the battlefield. This imagery underscores the goddess's association with the brutal and inevitable aspects of death in the context of warfare.
Multiplicity of Keres:
One intriguing aspect of CER lies in the notion that there are multiple Keres, each embodying different forms or kinds of death. The poets commonly speak of these goddesses, illustrating the diverse ways in which mortality manifests.
Individual Dooms:
Central to the concept of CER is the idea that every mortal has an allotted Doom, a fate that overtakes them at a predetermined time. This fatalistic perspective aligns with the broader themes of destiny and inevitability pervasive in Greek mythology.
Achilles and Dual Dooms:
A notable exception to the general rule of a single allotted Doom is the heroic figure Achilles. Unlike other mortals, Achilles is uniquely endowed with the power to choose between two Dooms, providing him with an uncommon agency over his destiny.
Later Representations:
In later periods of Greek mythology, the Keres undergo a conceptual transformation. They are no longer exclusively tied to the battlefield but are instead portrayed as overarching powers of destruction. Additionally, the Keres become associated with the Erinyes, the vengeful goddesses of retribution, further emphasizing their role in the cosmic balance of justice.
In summary, the goddess CER, as a personification of death in Greek mythology, embodies the inexorable force that governs mortal destiny, especially in the context of violent demise on the battlefield. The nuanced narratives surrounding CER, as found in the works of ancient Greek poets, contribute to the intricate and layered tapestry of mythological storytelling that continues to captivate and inspire to this day.
FAQs
Fragment of a Hellenistic relief (1st century BC–1st century AD) depicting the twelve Olympians carrying their attributes in procession; from left to right: Hestia (scepter), Hermes (winged cap and staff), Aphrodite (veiled), Ares (helmet and spear), Demeter (scepter and wheat sheaf), Hephaestus (staff), Hera (scepter) ...
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