What is the term for the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance in Greek mythology?

The answer is Nemesis, as she is specifically recognized in Greek mythology as the goddess who personifies divine retribution and vengeance. Nemesis was often depicted as a figure who meted out punishment to those who exhibited hubris or arrogance before the gods, ensuring that balance and justice were upheld in both mortal and divine realms. Her role was pivotal in maintaining moral order, and she served as a reminder that individuals could not escape the consequences of their actions.

Gaia, in contrast, is the personification of the Earth and stands for fertility and the nurturing aspect of nature but does not embody retribution. Athena is primarily recognized as the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, and while she may also serve justice, her domain is not vengeance in the same sense as Nemesis. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth, shares characteristics with themes of protection and the natural world, but again, her function is not associated with vengeance. Thus, Nemesis is the most accurate and fitting choice for the goddess of retribution.