In the epic poem the Shield of Heracles, attributed to Hesiod, Phonos (singular) was one of the many figures, depicted on Heracles' shield.[5]
Aeschylus' accounts
". . . hear me, you gods, that feel with us! By a fresh award redeem the blood of deeds done long ago. May aged Murder (phonos) cease begetting offspring in our house!"[6]
"
Amphiaraus repeatedly rebukes mighty
Tydeus [in the war of the
Seven Against Thebes] with evil names 'Murderer, maker of unrest in the city, principal teacher of evils to the
Argives, summoner of
Erinys (Vengeance's Curse), servant of Phonos (Slaughter).'"[7]
Quintus' account
The Phonoi are also represented in myths to be present during battles and fights along with other war deities.[8]
"Then met the fronts of battle: dread it rang on either hand. Hard-strained was then the fight: incarnate
Kydoimos (Strife) stalked through the midst, with Phonos (Slaughter) ghastly-faced . . . Through the air upshrieked an awful indistinguishable roar; for on both hosts fell iron-hearted Eris (Strife)."[9]
^Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 802 ff. means that murder breeds murderous reprisal in an ongoing blood-feud This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the
public domain.