Minor Goddesses In Greek Mythology

Eris
Greek mythology is a vast subject with a seemingly infinite number of members. Consequently, only the chief individuals such as, Zeus, Hera, Athena and Ares, are well-known. Often forgotten are the so-called minor goddesses, the goddesses who lurk behind the curtains. Surprisingly, such a “negligible” goddess caused the greatest dispute in all of Greek mythology. The Greek Word ‘Eris’ means strife. Although Strife is an abstract idea, Eris is referred to as a goddess (Blackwell 72). Although Eris is not well-known in Greek mythology, “[h]er influence can be felt in every quarrel, feud and disagreement on the face of the earth and on the heights of Mount Olympos (Olympus).” (Stewart).
Eris is a daughter of Erebus and the goddess of night,
When the three gorgeous goddesses appeared before Paris, he was shocked. However, Paris was not asked “to gaze at the radiant divinities and choose which of them seemed to him the fairest, but only to consider the bribes each offered and choose which seemed to him the best worth taking.” Hera would make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena would lead the Trojans to victory against Greece; Aphrodite would present him with the loveliest woman in the world. Paris chose the last and Aphrodite received the golden apple. The beautiful lady he was promised was named Helen, a daughter of Zeus. However Helen was already married. When her angry husband Menelaus discovered the absence of his wife, he waged war against Paris, who had abducted her (Hamilton 256). This tragedy became known as the Trojan War. Three generations of despair and blood shed all started because Eris was unwelcome at a wedding (Blackwell
Eris moves about cunningly, seemingly insignificant at first sight. Yet it is evident that her trivial actions result in detrimental consequences. This can be clearly understood from the disastrous Trojan War. As a proponent of war and discord, Eris basks in slaughter (Atsma). Undeniably, Eris isn’t the epitome of a compassionate goddess. “She is insatiable in her desire for bloodshed, and after all the gods have withdrawn from the battle-field, she still remains rejoicing over the havoc that has been made.” (Smith). While she is despised, Eris is feared and respected for her perpetual and vindictive wrath (Stewart). Although Eris is often described as ruthless and harmful, Eris is also credited as the goddess who prods a lazy man to work. This lazy man compares himself to his successful neighbor and envies his accomplishments. The lazy man is then encouraged to work diligently. In such cases, Eris may be considered a friend to mortals