Also called Ker (singular).
Their story
The Keres are daughters of Night, spirits of doom who carry off those who die violently. On the shield of Achilles, Ker drags the dead and wounded through the battle in a robe red with blood. Zeus weighed the keres of Achilles and Hector in golden scales, and Hector's sank. Achilles says his mother told him of his two keres, two possible fates.
Best times to give to them
- The Anthesteria, when the dead roamed and were sent away at its close
- When remembering those who died violently
What they like being given
- None are traditional to them; a candle for those lost to war or violence is fitting
- A candle lit while reading or retelling the story
How to honour them
- Remember victims of war and violence by name.
- Reflect on Achilles's choice between two dooms: a short famous life or a long quiet one.
How they can help you
- Grief for violent loss
- Understanding fate in Homer
Symbols
- bloody robes
- claws
- small winged figures
- scales of Zeus
Whether the Anthesteria's closing words drove out Keres or Carians is debated by scholars.
Sources
- Hesiod, Theogony 211, 217
- Homer, Iliad 9.410-416, 18.535-538, 22.208-213
- Burkert, Greek Religion (1985)
More Greek spirits
- The Anemoi The four winds
- The Muses The nine daughters of Memory
- The Moirai Spinners of the thread of life
- The Charites The Graces of joy and charm
- The Horae Keepers of the seasons and order
- The Erinyes Avengers of blood and broken oaths
- The Harpies The snatchers
- The Gorgons The three sisters of the terrible gaze