The Furies and Medusa: Distinctions in Greco-Roman Art

History resource article by Mary Harrsch © 2024

Orestes Pursued by the Furies by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (PD)

Although I have studied the plays of the Oresteia many years ago I did not remember that The Furies as well as Medusa have serpents for hair until I read Classical Wisdom's recent article about The Furies. It explains how The Furies were transformed from raving avengers to goddesses worshipped in Athens for their oversight of justice. This raised a question in my mind, from a Greco-Roman art perspective, as to how depictions of a fierce female with serpents for hair is identified as Medusa and not one of the Furies. Gemini told me:

"While both Medusa and the Furies are depicted with snakes for hair, there are several key visual cues that can help differentiate them in Greco-Roman art:

Medusa:

Face: Medusa is often portrayed with a hideous, distorted face, sometimes with protruding tongue or fangs. Her expression is typically one of terror or rage.

Wings: Medusa is usually depicted without wings.

Weapon: She is often armed with a sword or a shield, reflecting her role as a dangerous monster.

Petrifying Gaze: The most distinctive feature of Medusa is her petrifying gaze. Artists often depict her looking directly at the viewer, implying the viewer's potential transformation into stone.

Furies:

Face: The Furies, also known as Erinyes, are typically depicted with more human-like faces, although they may have a fierce or menacing expression.

Wings: The Furies are often portrayed with wings, symbolizing their swiftness and relentless pursuit of their victims.

Weapons: The Furies are often depicted with whips, torches, or snakes, which they use to inflict punishment.

Pursuit: The Furies are usually depicted in a state of pursuit, often chasing after their victims.

In summary, while both Medusa and the Furies share the characteristic of snake-like hair, their overall appearance and context within the artwork can help distinguish them. Medusa is typically more monstrous and intimidating, while the Furies are often more human-like and associated with pursuit and punishment."

I then pointed out the article said The Furies were often depicted in antiquity (not in the painting below) as old women and wouldn't this be a distinct difference as well? Gemini replied:

"Yes, that's a good point. The Furies are often depicted as having the visage of old women, which can help distinguish them from Medusa. This image of old women reflects their ancient and primordial nature as deities of vengeance and retribution.

So, to summarize the key differences:

Face: Medusa has a hideous, distorted face, while the Furies have the visage of old women.

Wings: Medusa is typically without wings, while the Furies often have wings.

Weapon: Medusa is often armed with a sword or shield, while the Furies use whips, torches, or snakes.

Gaze: Medusa has a petrifying gaze, while the Furies are often depicted in pursuit.

By considering these factors, you can more accurately identify whether a depiction in Greco-Roman art is of Medusa or one of the Furies."

The article mentioned how the song of The Furies was used to drive transgressors mad. So, I asked "When Athena convinced The Furies to essentially become the Eumenides, did they continue to use their devastating song to punish the convicted?"

Gemini replied:

"Yes, even after their transformation into the Eumenides (the Gracious Ones), the Furies continued to use their devastating song to punish the convicted. However, the nature of their punishment changed.

Before their transformation, the Furies were known for their relentless pursuit of victims and their ability to drive them to madness and suicide with their blood-curdling screams. After their transformation at the urging of Athena, they became more associated with justice and retribution. Their song, while still powerful, was now used to inflict a sense of guilt and shame upon those who had committed crimes.

The Eumenides were seen as agents of divine justice, ensuring that wrongdoers were punished and that order was maintained in society. Their song, while no longer as terrifying as it once was, still carried a significant weight and served as a powerful deterrent against evil."

If you are interested in studying the trio of plays known as the Oresteia, in which the Furies play a prominent role, I highly recommend The Great Courses series, "Greek Tragedy" presented by Professor Elizabeth Vandiver of Whitman College. Her other courses include "The Iliad," "The Odyssey," "The Aeneid" and "Herodotus:The Father of History", the very first course of The Great Courses offerings that I purchased and inspired me to buy others ever since. At present, I am thoroughly enjoying another of The Great Courses programs, "The Greek World: A Study of History and Culture" presented by Professor Robert Garland of Colgate University. I found his observation some scholars have suggested The Trojan War was triggered by the Trojans increasing demands for payment from the Greeks for passage through the Hellespont to trade with the Black Sea region, and not Helen's abduction, interesting, too.