DEJANIRA, in Grecian Mythology, daughter of Ceneus, king of Ætolia, and wife of Hercules. The centaur Nessus endeavoured to ravish her, and was slain by Hercules with a poisoned arrow. Nessus, when dying, gave his bloody tunic to Dejanira, assuring her that it was a sovereign remedy to cure her husband if he ever proved unfaithful. Some time afterwards Dejanira, suspecting his fidelity, sent Hercules the tunic, which he had no sooner put on than he was seized with the most excruciating torments. Being unable to support his pains, he retired to Mount Ceta, where he kindled a funeral pyre and perished in the flames. Dejanira killed herself in despair.