Archenemy

For other uses, see Archenemy (disambiguation).

In literature, an archenemy, (sometimes spelled as arch-enemy) or nemesis is the main enemy of the protagonist — or sometimes, one of the other main characters — appearing as the most prominent and most-known enemy of the hero.^[1][2][3]

Sherlock Holmes wrestling against his archenemy Prof. Moriarty.

Etymology

The word archenemy originated around the mid-16th century, from the words arch-^[3] (from Greek ἄρχω archo meaning 'to lead') and enemy.^[1]

An archenemy may also be referred to as an archrival,^[4] archfoe,^[5] archvillain,^[6] or archnemesis,^[7] but an archenemy may also be distinguished from an archnemesis, with the latter being an enemy whom the hero cannot defeat (or who defeats the hero), even while not being a longstanding or consistent enemy to the hero.^[8]

The archenemy should not be confused with the proper meaning of Nemesis — the Greek goddess of justice, retribution, and vengeance — who delivered divine punishment on those who committed great offences against the gods and the world.^[9]

See also

• Antagonist
• Supervillain
• Villain
• Nemesis