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Eris
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Lucas Cranach: The Judgment of Paris
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Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens, Greece.
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mythology. Greek. Hermes. (Roman Mercury)
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Discordia
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Lucas Cranach: The Judgment of Paris
Lucas Cranach: The Judgment of Paris The Judgment of Paris, oil on wood by Lucas Cranach, 1530; in the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Germany.

Eris

Greek and Roman mythology
Also known as: Discordia
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History

Eris, in Greco-Roman mythology, the personification of strife. She was called the daughter of Nyx (Night) by Hesiod, but she was sister and companion of Ares (the Roman Mars) in Homer’s version. Eris is best known for her part in starting the Trojan War. When she alone of the gods was not invited to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis, she threw among the guests a golden apple inscribed “For the most beautiful.” Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claimed it, and Zeus assigned the decision to Paris, then a shepherd on Mount Ida. Paris awarded the apple to Aphrodite, who then helped him win Helen of Troy. In the war that resulted, Hera and Athena remained implacable enemies of Troy.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.