Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds: A Sourcebook. Lore also held that the ring would reveal the length of someone’s life and the manner of his or her death. In order for the ring to work properly, the wearer had to avoid everything abominable and wicked. The ring also cured “moonstruck” conditions (insanity).

When worn around the neck, the ring warded off nightmares caused by Demons and protected children against Lamiae. Placed under the stone were the tip of a duck wing and a piece of a mullein, called “death plant.” When this ring amulet was given to a person who was possessed, it caused the Demon to confess himself and flee. A Nemesis stone was a stone taken from an altar to Nemesis and engraved with her image. Nemesis-stone rings were Amulets against evil. In modern terms, a “nemesis” is one’s worst enemy. The Romans called Nemesis Invidia (Jealousy) and Rivalitas (Jealous Rivalry). Her job is to be the “leveler,” to effect equilibrium by making sure that wrongdoers get their due.

She personifies resentment against men who commit callous crimes, those who are wicked and insolent, and those who have too much good fortune. Sometimes she is portrayed as holding a cubit ruler in her left hand and a staff in her right, with one foot on a wheel. She is usually portrayed as a somber winged maiden with a whip, rein, sword, or scales in her left hand. In mythology, Nemesis is the daughter of either Oceanus or Zeus. Nemesis, whose name means “dispenser of dues,” was called upon by ancient Greeks and Romans to exorcise and avert Demons and Possession.

Greek goddess of vengeance, divine justice, and retribution against evil deeds.

Samel nemesis monster legends