Keres

Ker (singular of Keres) was said to be the vampiric spirit of the deceased person. She was able to escape the funeral jar where she was buried. She has horrible face, wearing red robe to cover her dark skin. They also have wings coloured black and white nails and fangs. They are daughters of Nyx. Their Latin name is Tenebrae. This refers to ‘Darkness’.

A Quick Look at the Vampiric Creature Keres

Keres |Kromespawn via Deviantart

The Keres are also under the strict control of the Fates, where they kill only those people who are permitted to kill. They have the ability to unleash a horrifying scream, which is believed to be the signal of their hunt. They will then dive down on the battle field and feed on the blood of the dying warrior. The souls of those warriors are also taken away from their bodies. These vengeful spirits are also known to spread diseases and take control of the body of a warrior during a battle. Legends say that the Olympian Gods and Goddesses would stand guard on the battle field to keep away the vampiric creature from their favorite warrior.

 

Description of Keres

Based on the story, Keres is described as a dark creature. They have claws and rasping teeth and an unquenchable thirst for human blood. They can often be found on battle ground. Their often victim would be the wounded soldiers and dying warriors. This is perhaps the reason why they are called the Goddess of Death.

Since they are harbinger of death, they are also associated with Cerberus. While it may not be mentioned in the myth; Achlys may also be a Keres. They are sister of Moirai. They will first rip the soul of human before they feasted on their blood. Most of the time, they are bound by fate. They do not control fate. However, due to their desire for human blood, they can cause death. Just like the vampire, they can also cause plague.

Ker may be associated with the Valkyrie of death. Both of them will fly during battle. They also determine those who will be slain. However, compared to the Keres, they do not desire human blood. They are benevolent creatures compared to Ker that are malevolent.

How to Destroy Ker

To keep away the Keres from someone’s house, a tar was usually painted on the door way. They said that if it enters a house with a painted tar, the tar would stick on their body. The Ker would be trapped on the door way. Destroying this vampiric creature involves chanting incantations and performing rituals.

In the Iliad of Homer, a three day ritual was performed on March 4 in honor of the keres and to prevent them from attacking. The ritual was called Anthesteria.