The Androctasiae were the daughters of the goddess of strife and discord,
Eris,[2] and siblings to other vicious personifications like the
Hysminai, the
Machae, and the
Phonoi. This name is also used for all of Eris' children collectively, as a whole group.
In the epic poem the Shield of Heracles, attributed to
Hesiod, Androktasia (singular) was one of the many figures, depicted on
Heracles' shield.[5]
"In his hands he (Herakles) took his shield, all glittering : no one ever broke it with a blow or crushed it. And a wonder it was to see . . . In the centre was
Phobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable, staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow hovered frightful Eris (Battle-Strife) who arrays the throng of men: pitiless she, for she took away the mind and senses of poor wretches who made war against the son of
Zeus . . . Upon the shield
Proioxis (Pursuit) and
Palioxis (Flight) were wrought, and
Homados (Tumult), and Phobos (Panic), and Androktasia (Slaughter). Eris (Battle-Strife) also, and
Kydoimos (Confusion) were hurrying about, and deadly
Ker (Fate) was there holding one man newly wounded. . ."[6]