Her name was derived from the Greek words nemêsis and nemô, meaning "dispenser of dues." The Romans usually used the Greek name of the goddess but sometimes also named her Invidia (Jealousy) and Rivalitas (Jealous Rivalry). Her attributes were apple-branch, rein, lash, sword, or balance. Nemesis was often sometimes depicted as a winged goddess. In some versions of the Trojan War, she was the mother of Helene, and is shown in scenes of her seduction by Paris pointing an accusing finger at the girl.
She appears as an avenging agent in the stories of Narkissos and Nikaia, whose callous actions brought about the death of their wooers. In myth Nemesis was particularly concerned with matters of love.
As one who checked extravagant favours by Tykhe (Tyche) (Fortune), Nemesis was regarded as an avenging or punishing divinity. If this happened, Nemesis could bring about losses and suffering. Happiness and unhappiness were measured out by her, care being taken that happiness was not too frequent or too excessive. Her name means she who distributes or deals out. Nemesis directed human affairs in such a way as to maintain equilibrium. She was a personification of the resentment aroused in men by those who commited crimes with apparent impunity, or who had inordinate good fortune. NEMESIS was the goddess of indignation against, and retribution for, evil deeds and undeserved good fortune. Dispenser of Dues Nemesis and Tyche, Athenian red-figure amphora C5th B.C., Antikensammlung Berlin
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