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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

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Eris at a Glance

name | Eris (’EriV)

role | goddess who personified discord or strife

Eris in Greek Mythology
The Greek goddess Eris was the personification of discord or strife. She appears in Hesiod's Theogony as the daughter of Nyx (Night).

Eris played a significant part in Greek mythology. One of the most important legends in which she is involved begins with a wedding - the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, to be precise. Apparently, someone forgot to invite the goddess of discord to the festivities. That was the first mistake in a long chain of disastrous events. For Eris simply showed up at the wedding anyway, with mayhem on her mind. When she arrived, the goddess tossed a golden apple into the crowd of famous faces. This tempting apple was tagged with the phrase "to the fairest".

So, the immediate question was, who deserved this irresistible piece of fruit? Should Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, get the apple? Or should Hera, Queen of the Olympians, win it? Or perhaps Athena, the grey-eyed goddess of wisdom, should have the prize. As they were all beautiful goddesses, this was not an easy decision.

In order to avoid an ugly scene, a mortal named Paris was chosen to decide who should have the golden apple. Tempted by Aphrodite's offer of the most comely mortal woman, Paris awarded the prize to the goddess of love. Unfortunately, Helen (the loveliest woman) was already married. And from this seemingly minor event - an apple thrown at a wedding - the notorious Trojan War began. Eris obviously did her job of creating discord a little too well.

Discordia was the name the Romans called Eris.

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!