Goddess of Revenge

 

Distinguishing features: Nemesis is often pictured as a winged maiden, but don’t confuse her with Nike! The evil look in her eyes should tell you that this lady is not here to give you victory. Nemesis’s symbol is a scale, with which she measures how much fortune you actually deserve. If you’ve gotten more than your fair share, she brings out her other tools – a lash and a sword. She also carries a wheel sometimes, symbolizing how fate can turn on you. Notice above she is trampling some poor fool underfoot. She just loves doing that.

 

Now: Nemesis usually hangs around the classroom the day major projects are due. All those who put off working until the last minute are likely to feel her lash. She hates it when things work out for people who don’t deserve it, and thinks her sister Fortuna is way too generous with the good luck. Whenever you feel like things are going too well, like something bad has got to happen to balance it out – that’s the shadow of Nemesis falling over you. She’s all about payback. If it seems like somebody is out to get you, she is.

 

Then: Nemesis was feared more than she was worshipped. The Greeks and Romans didn’t really have the concept of karma, but Nemesis was pretty close. Whenever something good happens, you’d better look out, because Nemesis is probably watching, ready to balance things out with a little bad luck. Watch your step and stay humble!

 

Roman name: Nemesis